Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the value of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) virtual plain scans in reducing the radiation dose of small intestine angiography for Background: Crohn’s disease enterography tends to involve multiple computed tomography (CT) scans, which can expose patients to more radiation and additional complications. This study evaluates the feasibility of using dual-energy CT virtual non-contrast (VNC) imaging as a low-radiation alternative to true non-contrast (TNC) imaging. Methods: Dual-energy small-bowel imaging was performed on 53 patients with Crohn’s condition at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June 2024 to December 2024. Virtual normal scan images of the arterial (VNCa) and venous phases (VNCv) were reconstructed using dual-energy analysis software. CT values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the conventional and virtual plain scans were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Image quality was evaluated subjectively using a five-point grading system and analyzed with the rank sum test. Results: The subjective scores of the TNC, VNCa, and VNCv were 4 (4, 5), 4 (4, 5), and 4 (4, 5), with no statistically significant differences. The CT values of the pathological intestinal wall, normal intestinal wall, inferior vena cava, erector spinae muscle, and liver showed no significant differences among TNC, VNCa, and VNCv. SNR values of the pathological intestinal wall, normal intestinal wall, abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and liver were significantly higher in VNCa and VNCv than in TNC. There were no significant differences observed in the CNR values across the groups. The radiation dose of the VNCv was approximately 30% lower than that of the TNV CT enterography scan. Conclusion: A dual-energy CT virtual plain scan, rather than an actual plain scan, can reduce the radiation dose of Crohn’s disease enterography without compromising the image quality. This approach has the potential for extensive clinical applications.