Optimization of Low-Contrast Detectability in Abdominal Imaging: A Comparative Analysis of PCCT, DECT, and SECT Systems.

Background: Clear representation of anatomy is essential in the assessment of pathology in computed tomography (CT). With the introduction of photon-counting CT (PCCT) and more advanced iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms into clinical practice, there is potential to improve low-contrast detectability in CT protocols. As such, it is necessary to perform task-based assessments to optimize protocols and compare image quality between PCCT and energy-integrating CT, like dual-energy CT (DECT) and single-energy CT (SECT).