• Bone Marrow Edema on Dual-energy Computed Tomography: Spectrum of Causes and Pitfalls

    Sara Haseli MD, Hyun Su Kim MD, Peter C. Thurlow MD, Peyman Mirghaderi MD, MPH, Majid Chalian MD

    Key Points

    • DECT enables rapid, accurate detection of bone marrow edema and assists in evaluating musculoskeletal disorders, including fractures, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and neoplasms. 
    • Virtual noncalcium DECT enhances bone marrow edema detection by removing calcium, improving visualization of marrow infiltration and aiding early diagnosis and treatment assessment. 
    • DECT effectively detects BME, but radiologists should watch for pitfalls such as false positives from sclerosis, red marrow hyperplasia, and skin artifacts. 
    • Integrating DECT into clinical workflows improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, especially when MRI is unavailable or impractical, such as in emergency settings.