Comparison of true non-contrast and virtual non-contrast images in the characterization of renal lesions using detector-based spectral CT.

Objectives: Renal lesions are sometimes incidentally detected during computed tomography (CT) examinations in which an unenhanced series is not included, preventing the lesions from being fully characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility to use virtual non-contrast (VNC) images, acquired using a detector-based dual-energy CT, for the characterization of renal lesions.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients (12 women) underwent a renal CT scan, including a non-contrast, an arterial, and a venous phase contrast-enhanced series, using a detector-based dual-energy CT scanner.