Applications of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

There are multiple emerging applications of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for the evaluation of pathology in the head and neck, in particular head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Studies suggest that DECT image sets reconstructed as supplements to routine diagnostic images may improve lesion visualization, determination of tumor extent, and identification of invasion of critical anatomic structures. This article reviews the evidence for the use and potential advantages of supplementary DECT reconstructions for the evaluation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. A summary of potentially useful reconstructions and a suggested approach for multiparametric DECT evaluation of head and neck cancer based on current evidence are presented.

Keywords: Dental artifact; Dual-energy CT; Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; Lymphadenopathy; Material decomposition iodine maps; Spectral Hounsfield unit attenuation curves; Thyroid cartilage invasion; Virtual monochromatic images.