Virtual Noncontrast Images Derived From Contrast-Enhanced Dual-Layer Spectral Abdominal Computed Tomography: A Pilot Study Between Pediatric and Adult Scans.

Objective: We aimed to compare the accuracy of virtual noncontrast (VNC) images obtained from contrast-enhanced dual-layer spectral computed tomography (DLSCT) scans of the abdomen between pediatric and adult patients.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 10 pediatric and 40 adult patients who underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced DLSCT for nontraumatic acute abdomen or a follow-up of tumor or aneurysm. On true noncontrast (TNC) and VNC images, we placed a region-of-interest on 7 abdominal structures. The mean attenuation difference between VNC and TNC images was compared between these structures and between pediatric and adult scans. Data were analyzed by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, 1-way analysis of variance, Scheffe's test and independent t test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: In mean attenuation difference between VNC and TNC images, there was a significant interstructure difference in adult scans (P < 0.05), but not in pediatric scans. Mean attenuation difference between VNC and TNC images of the kidney was significantly higher on adult than pediatric scans (P = 0.0046).

Conclusions: The VNC images obtained from contrast-enhanced DLSCT data may be more accurate on pediatric than adult scans. Patient age can be a factor influencing the accuracy of the VNC images.