Abstract：Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of the second-generation Siemens dual-source CT(Somatom Definition Flash) dual-energy imaging of pulmonary embolism. Methods: Dual-energy pulmonary angiography(CTPA) data of 42 patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism were retrospectively studied by dual-energy software on the workstation. Lung PBV(lung perfusion), Lung Vessels(pulmonary vasculature) and color-coded imaging were analyzed. Two chest-imaging physicians combined information provided by both the DE-CTPA and software to make a diagnosis. Results: According to clinical and CT findings, 32 cases(76.2%, 32/42) had pulmonary embolism, with pulmonary filling defects on CTPA in 28 cases, normal CTPA but perfusion defects in sub-segments or below on DE-CTPA in four cases. Lung PBV measured 32 cases with 48 embolism pulmonary, with a CT enhancement value of (35.6±12.1) HU, lower than the non-embolism region with a CT enhancement value of (44.5±10.6) HU(t=-2.336, P=0.027). Conclusion: Dual-energy lung perfusion(Lung PBV) and pulmonary vascular(Lung Vessels) software can display perfusion defects in pulmonary embolism. Combined with CTPA, it can improve the detection rate of pulmonary embolism, especially peripheral pulmonary embolism.
2012, Vol. 23 
