Dual-energy and dual-source CT: is there a role in the abdomen and pelvis?

Dual-energy CT refers to the use of CT data representing two different energy spectra and allows for the possibility of differentiating and classifying tissue to obtain material-specific images. Dual-energy CT data can be acquired using various CT hardware platforms, with numerous approaches also existing for display of anatomic and material-specific dual-energy information. Dual-source CT refers to the use of two x-ray sources and two x-ray detectors mounted on a single CT gantry and can be used in either a dual-energy or single-energy mode. This article summarizes and reviews current and potential applications for dual-energy and dual-source CT in the abdomen and pelvis.