Investigating new CT contrast agents: a phantom study exploring quantification and differentiation methods for high-Z elements using dual-energy CT.

• Dual-energy CT can accurately quantify high-Z contrast elements and readily differentiate iodine, barium, and gadolinium from ytterbium, tantalum, gold, and bismuth. • The differentiation and quantification capabilities for high-Z contrast elements are largely unaffected by phantom size and transaxial location within the phantom. • Potential benefits of new CT contrast agents based on these high-Z elements include alternatives for patients with iodine sensitivity, high conspicuity at both 120 and 140 kVp, simultaneous imaging of two contrast agents, and reduced injection volume.