Value of Dual-energy Lung Perfusion Imaging Using a Dual-source CT System for the Pulmonary Embolism

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of dual-energy lung perfusion imaging (DEPI) using a dual-source CT system for the pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: 50 patients in high acute PE prevalence were enrolled to accept the DEPI (lung perfusion image and CTA image of pulmonary artery acquired through the Dual Energy software) and emergent DSA angiography (golden diagnostic criterion). RESULTS: Patients using CT had significantly reduced examination duration and dosage of contrast agent than those using DSA examination, (P < 0.05). In total, 260 pulmonary arteries and 1020 pulmonary segments were examined through CTA, in which embolisms were identified in 50 lobes of lung, 108 pulmonary segments and 82 sub-segments. Reduction or lack of perfusion was identified through DEPI in 48 lobes of lung (concordance rate of 96.0%), 103 pulmonary segments (concordance rate of 95.4%) and 78 subsegments (concordance rate of 95.1%). The comparison of embolism quantity and morphological characteristics of pulmonary artery between CTA images and DEPI images showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Better application value can be achieved in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism by dual-energy lung perfusion imaging using a dual-source CT system.