Review articleThe role of dual-energy computed tomography in the assessment of pulmonary function

- The dual-energy CT technique enables the differentiation of contrast materials with material decomposition algorithm.
- Pulmonary functional information can be evaluated using dual-energy CT with anatomic CT information, simultaneously.
- Pulmonary functional information from dual-energy CT can improve diagnosis and severity assessment of diseases.

The assessment of pulmonary function, including ventilation and perfusion status, is important in addition to the evaluation of structural changes of the lung parenchyma in various pulmonary diseases. The dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) technique can provide the pulmonary functional information and high resolution anatomic information simultaneously. The application of DECT for the evaluation of pulmonary function has been investigated in various pulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary embolism, asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease and so on. In this review article, we will present principles and technical aspects of DECT, along with clinical applications for the assessment pulmonary function in various lung diseases.