Role of dual energy computed tomography in evaluation of suspected wall thickening type of gallbladder cancer

Accurate characterization of gallbladder wall thickening is of paramount importance. This study evaluated the role of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the evaluation of gallbladder wall thickening. Seven consecutive patients (mean age 52.3 years, 5 males) with suspected wall thickening type of gallbladder cancer (GBC) who underwent DECT between August 2020 and March 2021 were included. Independent radiologists blinded to the final diagnosis reviewed the iodine maps, 80 keV, and 140 keV images separately. The final diagnosis was based on histopathology or cytology. Two patients had xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and 5 had GBC. Asymmetrical mural thickening was identified in six patients on iodine maps and five patients at 80 keV. Non-layered mural thickening was seen in all patients on iodine maps, 80 keV, and 140 keV. Iodine maps identified heterogeneous enhancement in all patients. These preliminary results suggest that DECT has the potential to characterize gallbladder wall thickening.