This study investigated the role of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) for lesion characterization in patients with peripheral arterial disease manifesting with chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Forty-one symptomatic patients with CTOs underwent dual-energy CT angiography before endovascular treatment. The lesions were subsequently analyzed in a dedicated workstation, and 2 indexes—dual-energy index (DEI) and effective Z (Z_eff)—were calculated, ranging from 0.0027 to 0.321 and from 6.89 to 13.02, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the DEI and Z_eff values (P < .001). The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 for the mean Z_eff values and 0.86 for the mean DEI values. This technique could potentially provide useful information regarding the composition of a CTO.

本研究调查了双能计算机断层扫描 (CT) 在外周动脉疾病表现为慢性完全闭塞 (CTO) 患者的病变特征中的作用。41 名有症状的 CTO 患者在血管内治疗前接受了双能 CT 血管造影。随后在专用工作站上对病变进行分析，并计算出 2 个指标——双能指数 (DEI) 和有效 Z (Z _eff )——范围分别为 0.0027 至 0.321 和 6.89 至 13.02。统计分析显示 DEI 和 Z _eff值之间存在显着相关性 ( P < .001)。平均 Z _{eff的观察者间组内相关系数为 0.91}值和 0.86 的平均 DEI 值。该技术可能会提供有关 CTO 组成的有用信息。