Dual-energy computed tomography applications in uroradiology.

The introduction of dual-energy computed tomography systems (ie, scanners that can simultaneously acquire images at different energies) has significant and unique applications for urologists. Imaging data from these scanners can be used to evaluate composition of urinary calculi and, by "removing" iodine from an image, significantly decrease radiation dose to patients referred for hematuria. Further, the ability to create a virtual noncontrast image obviates the need for repeated scanning in patients with incidentally detected renal and adrenal masses. Finally, the ability to quantify the regional concentration of iodine in a renal neoplasm may provide a method to monitor effectiveness of therapy before size changes become apparent.