The assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) is essential for osteoporosis diagnosis. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the current gold standard, but it has limitations in evaluating trabecular bone and is susceptible to different artifacts. In this study we evaluate whether Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) can be defined as an alternative method for the assessment of BMD in a sample of postmenopausal patients undergoing oncological follow-up. In this study a retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 patients who had both DECT and DXA within six months. BMD values were extracted from DECT using five different base material pairs (BMPs) and compared with DXA measurements at the femoral neck. The calcium–fat pairing showed the strongest correlation with DXA-derived BMD (Spearman’s ρ = 0.797) and excellent reproducibility (ICC = 0.983). There was a strong and significant association between the DXA results and the various BPM measurements. These findings support the possibility of DECT in the precise and opportunistic evaluation of BMD changes when employing particular BMPs. This study showed how this technique can be a useful and effective substitute for conventional DXA, particularly when patients are in oncological follow-up using DECT, minimizing additional radiation exposure.
This study aimed to demonstrate the potential role of dual-energy CT in assessing bone mineral density (BMD) using hydroxyapatite–fat material pairing in postmenopausal women. A retrospective study was conducted on 51 postmenopausal female patients who underwent DXA and DECT examinations for other clinical reasons. DECT images were acquired with spectral imaging using a 256-slice system. These images were processed and visualized using a HAP–fat material pair. Statistical analysis was performed using the Bland–Altman method to assess the agreement between DXA and DECT HAP–fat measurements. Mean BMD, vertebral, and femoral T-scores were obtained. For vertebral analysis, the Bland–Altman plot showed an inverse correlation (R2: −0.042; RMSE: 0.690) between T-scores and DECT HAP–fat values for measurements from L1 to L4, while a good linear correlation (R2: 0.341; RMSE: 0.589) was found for measurements at the femoral neck. In conclusion, we demonstrate the enhanced importance of BMD calculation through DECT, finding a statistically significant correlation only at the femoral neck where BMD results do not seem to be influenced by the overlap of the measurements on cortical and trabecular bone. This outcome could be beneficial in the future by reducing radiation exposure for patients already undergoing follow-up for chronic conditions.
This study aimed to demonstrate the potential role of Dual Energy CT in assessing Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. A retrospective study was conducted on 51 postmenopausal female patients who underwent DXA and DECT examinations for other clinical reasons. DECT images were acquired with spectral imaging using a 256-slice system. These images were processed and visualized using an HAP(fat) map. Statistical analysis was performed using the Bland-Altman method to assess agreement between DXA and DECT HAP(fat) measurements. Mean BMD, vertebral and femoral T-scores were obtained. For vertebral analysis, the Bland-Altman plot showed an inverse correlation (R2: -0.042; RMSE: 0.690) between T-scores and DECT HAP(fat) values for measurements from L1 to L4, while a good linear correlation (R2: 0.341; RMSE: 0.589) it was found for measurements at the femoral neck. In conclusion, we demonstrated the enhanced accuracy of BMD calculation through DECT, finding a statistically significant correlation only at the femoral neck where BMD results do not seem to be influenced by the overlap of the measurements on cortical and trabecular bone. This outcome could be beneficial in the future by reducing radiation exposure for patients already undergoing follow-up for chronic conditions.
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical condition, most commonly arising from appendiceal or ovarian mucinous neoplasms. This case report describes an exceptionally rare origin of PMP from a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon, highlighting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Multimodality imaging played a crucial role in the diagnostic process, with computed tomography (CT) providing initial identification of low-attenuation peritoneal lesions with characteristic scalloping of visceral surfaces. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), less frequently reported in the literature for PMP, offered superior lesion characterization through high-resolution T2-weighted sequences, revealing hyperintense mucinous deposits. The combination of CT and MRI findings facilitated accurate diagnosis and staging, guiding surgical planning. Management involved cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which remains the standard approach for PMP, improving survival in selected patients. This case underscores the critical role of comprehensive radiological assessment, particularly the added value of MRI, in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and optimizing patient outcomes in rare presentations of PMP.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and distinctive mucocutaneous pigmentations. Intussusception is a significant complication associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and it can lead to potential bowel obstruction and ischemia. We present a case report in which PJS was first suspected by a radiologist after performing abdomen Computed Tomography (CT) at the emergency department. We will discuss the clinical presentation, radiological findings and surgical management in a case of acute small bowel intussusception.
The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of advanced imaging techniques for the evaluation of cardiac masses and pseudo-masses, with particular attention to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim is to highlight how the complementarity of these methods can optimise diagnostic accuracy and guide therapeutic choices. A systematic review of recent literature was conducted, alongside a retrospective analysis of clinical cases drawn from our clinical experience. CT acquisition protocols were examined in relation to their ability to provide high anatomical definition images, cardiac synchronisation management and the use of dual energy techniques. At the same time, MR sequences useful for distinguishing between true masses and pseudomasses were evaluated. The study showed that CT is particularly effective in anatomical definition and detection of calcifications. In contrast, MRI provides multiparametric information, which is essential for the functional and tissue characterisation of lesions. The integrated approach allows for a more accurate diagnosis, facilitating the distinction between benign, malignant and pseudo-mass lesions. The integrated approach of CT and MRI represents the ideal diagnostic strategy for the evaluation of cardiac masses, improving diagnostic accuracy and supported by standardized protocols that exploit the best of both tools, improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding the therapeutic pathway in a personalized manner.