Fig 1.
Comparison between the standard mixed image and the low-energy VMI+ image.
A 65-year-old man with acute pulmonary embolism. DSDECT images at the level of the right pulmonary artery are shown in the standard mixed image (A) and in the low-energy VMI+ (B). Increased contrast enhancement of the vessels at the same CT window level and width is demonstrated in the low-energy VMI+. Hypodense filling defects of acute pulmonary emboli are also detected in the descending pulmonary arteries in the bilateral lower lobes. DSDECT, dual source dual energy computed tomography; VMI+, virtual monoenergetic plus.
Fig 2.
Study workflow for patient recruitment.
PE, pulmonary embolism; DSDECT, dual source dual energy computed tomography.
Table 1.
Patient characteristics.
Table 2.
The interobserver agreement in interpretation of DSDECT image.
Table 3.
Interpretation of dual source dual energy computed tomography according to the location: Comparison between the 40 keV VMI+ and the standard mixed CT images.
Fig 3.
A 22-year-old man with acute pulmonary embolism. DSDECT images at the level of the left atrium are displayed. A small right lower lobe segmental embolus (arrow) was unnoticed in the standard mixed image (A) but was identified in the low-energy VMI+ (B). DSDECT, dual source dual energy computed tomography; VMI+, virtual monoenergetic plus.
Fig 4.
A 76-year-old woman with acute pulmonary embolism. DSDECT images at the level of the aortic arch are displayed. A subtle left upper lobe segmental embolus (arrow) was unidentified in the standard mixed image (A) but was identified in the low-energy VMI+ (B). DSDECT, dual source dual energy computed tomography; VMI+, virtual monoenergetic plus.
Fig 5.
A 22-year-old man with acute pulmonary embolism. DSDECT images at the level of the mid heart are displayed. A small left lower lobe segmental embolus (arrow) was overlooked in the standard mixed image (A) but was detected in the low-energy VMI+ (B). DSDECT, dual source dual energy computed tomography; VMI+, virtual monoenergetic plus.
Table 4.
Diagnostic index of the 40 keV VMI+ according to the location.