Spectral material characterization with dual-energy CT: comparison of commercial and investigative technologies in phantoms.

Background: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) enables tissue discrimination based on the X-ray attenuations at different photon energies emitted by the tube. The spectral dependencies of net X-ray attenuation can be analyzed and used to characterize specific materials.

Purpose: To evaluate the capability of DECT to characterize and differentiate high-density materials, using spectral analysis.

Image-guided sharp recanalization of a benign J pouch anastomotic occlusion facilitates surgical repair.

A 27-year-old man with a 9-year history of ulcerative colitis who had undergone total proctocolectomy with construction of a continent pouch in 2008 presented 1 year later with occlusion of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis precluding ileostomy closure. An attempt at surgical reconstruction at an outside hospital failed, and the patient was informed that he would have a permanent stoma. A further attempt at blind surgical recanalization of the occlusion risked sphincter damage and was deferred.