Dual-energy computed tomography has become a pivotal tool in abdominal imaging, particularly for pancreatic pathologies such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, trauma assessment, and acute pancreatitis. Its ability to provide enhanced contrast resolution, reduce artifacts, and optimize radiation dose makes it invaluable in both acute and non-acute clinical settings. This narrative review summarizes the technological advancements and clinical applications of dual-energy computed tomography in pancreatic imaging. A comprehensive review of 21 peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024 was conducted to evaluate the role of dual-energy computed tomography in all pancreatic imaging indications, including tumor detection, pancreatitis assessment, trauma evaluation, and radiation dose optimization. The analysis included retrospective and prospective studies retrieved from multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The findings highlight the technology’s capacity to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce image artifacts, and lower radiation exposure through techniques such as virtual monoenergetic imaging and iodine quantification. Comparisons with conventional computed tomography focused on diagnostic performance metrics such as contrast-to-noise ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, this narrative review underscores the clinical relevance of dual-energy computed tomography in evaluating non-traumatic acute abdominal conditions, especially among elderly patients.

Purpose: To present a rare case of uterine artery embolization (UAE) failure due to collateral arterial supply from the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and to review the diagnostic and interventional considerations in such presentations. Case Presentation: A 41-year-old woman with symptomatic fibroids underwent bilateral UAE. Follow-up imaging showed persistent vascularity of a dominant 20 cm fibroid due to collateral supply from the celiac axis and SMA. As surgery was contraindicated, GnRH agonist therapy was used for symptom management, resulting in partial fibroid shrinkage. Conclusion: Persistent fibroid vascularization after UAE may result from unrecognized extra-uterine arterial supply. Recognition of atypical collateral pathways through cross-sectional angiography is essential for optimizing management and preventing treatment failure.

This study examined the acute effects of electric lighting parameters (illuminance and correlated color temperature (CCT)) on vigilance and subjective alertness in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with direct relevance to architectural lighting design in senior-care and rehabilitation settings. A within-subject experimental design was used with nine older adults diagnosed with MCI. Participants completed the NASA Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) under four lighting conditions: 350 lux at 2700 K, 350 lux at 6500 K, 478 lux at 2700 K, and 478 lux at 6500 K. To account for repeated testing, practice-related changes across sessions were explicitly considered in the interpretation of outcomes. Subjective measures included the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), the Groningen Sleep Quality Questionnaire, and two lighting evaluation surveys. Data analyses included paired-sample t-tests, effect sizes (Hedges’ g, η²), odds ratios, and confidence intervals. Across sessions, PVT performance improved overall, consistent with a practice effect. On Day 1 (350 lux), minimum reaction time did not differ between 2700 K and 6500 K; however, maximum reaction time was shorter under 6500 K, suggesting a selective reduction in extreme slow responses under cooler-spectrum light at baseline. On Day 2 (478 lux), minimum reaction time improved significantly under 6500 K, indicating faster responses under cooler-spectrum light when combined with higher illuminance and repeated exposure. False starts and lapses did not show consistent condition-dependent differences. Overall, cooler-spectrum light did not uniformly shift mean performance but instead appeared to stabilize performance by reducing extreme slow responses at baseline and enhancing rapid responses under higher illuminance with repeated exposure. These findings suggest that practice effects and spectral sensitivity jointly shape vigilance outcomes in older adults with MCI. From a building design perspective, the results support the potential value of tunable lighting (adjustable CCT and illuminance) as a non-pharmacological strategy to help sustain daytime alertness in senior-care and rehabilitation environments.