Spectral CT and Hounsfield Units: basis for correct interpretation

Dual energy CT is a recent upgrade to this diagnostic imaging technique. The purpose of critical narrative review lay out the clinical applications Hounsfield Units and their variation across x-ray spectrum using DECT. We explore new reconstruction methods parametric maps helpful for diagnosis prevalent pathologies such as fatty liver disease, urolithiasis, identify complications after interventions or determine aggressiveness tumoral lesions. energy-resolving capabilities DECT make it reliable method characterisation tissue lesion composition. Lower monoenergetic images allow us increase soft contrast easily tissues with higher uptake. Higher are useful distinguish between uptake high attenuation calcium deposits metal artifact reduction. Parametric showing uric acid, iodine, calcium, other material decompositions can be obtained from spectral data metabolic diseases, vascular lesions deposition arthritis urolithiasis.