Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41102589›Full record

ArticleInsights into imaging2025

Spectral CT in practice: insights from an International Atomic Energy Agency survey.

Virginia Tsapaki, Zoe Brady, Nathaly Barbosa, Marc Kachelrieß, Mahadevappa Mahesh, Egor Titovich, Bronwin Van-Wyk, Mauro Carrara

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Insights into imaging, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Virginia TsapakiDosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section, Human Health Division, Department of Nuclear Science and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria. v.tsapaki@iaea.org.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0275-4650
Zoe BradyDepartment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Nathaly BarbosaImaging and Nuclear Medicine Unit, Cancer Treatment and Research Center (CTIC), Bogota, Colombia.
Marc KachelrießDivision of X-Ray Imaging and Computed Tomography, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
Mahadevappa MaheshThe Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Egor TitovichDosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section, Human Health Division, Department of Nuclear Science and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
Bronwin Van-WykDepartment of Medical Physics, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Mauro CarraraDosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section, Human Health Division, Department of Nuclear Science and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionSpectral CT is an advanced imaging technique that distinguishes X-ray energies at the detector level to provide energy-resolved images for enhanced tissue characterization and quantitative capabilities. Despite its increasing availability, there is limited information on global clinical use and quality assurance. To address this gap, the International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a global survey to assess current practices and inform future guidance development.

methodsAn online survey was disseminated internationally between October 2024 and June 2025. The questionnaire collected data on the presence and use of spectral CT, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC), clinical applications, dosimetry, and training. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

resultsEighty-three validated responses were received. Only a small fraction of spectral CT systems was photon-counting, nearly all installed from 2024 onward. A wide range of clinical applications was reported, including oncology, urology, cardiology, and neurological imaging. While many institutions reported access to spectral CT, utilization remains limited. Many facilities do not perform dedicated quality control (53%) and retain dosimetry practices (61%). Training gaps-especially among medical physicists-were evident. Respondents cited barriers such as insufficient training, workflow complexity, additional time for image review, limited post-processing tools, and uncertainty about clinical relevance.

conclusionsThis preliminary global survey reveals that while spectral CT access is expanding, its clinical integration and QA/QC practices remain inconsistent. Standardized protocols, targeted training-particularly for medical physicists-and international guidance are urgently needed to support safe and effective adoption of spectral imaging in routine clinical care. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This global IAEA survey highlights critical gaps in spectral CT implementation and quality assurance, providing foundational insights that support future clinical advances through standardized protocols, targeted training, and globally harmonized guidance for more effective integration into radiology practice. KEY POINTS: Spectral CT adoption outpaces its clinical use and quality assurance integration. The survey shows limited training, quality control, and routine spectral CT use. Standardized guidelines and targeted training are essential for broader implementation.

Indexed as

Clinical useCTQuality assuranceSpectral

Identifiers

PMID41102589
PMCPMC12532519

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.