Quezada-Rueda et al. (2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) represents an evolution of conventional
CT by detecting individual photons, discriminating energy thresholds, and reducing electronic noise.
These features enable higher spatial resolution, intrinsic spectral imaging, and potential optimization
of radiation dose and iodinated contrast volume. In anesthesiology, its value may extend beyond
radiological diagnosis by supporting preoperative assessment, airway planning, cardiopulmonary risk
stratification, and safety in complex surgical patients.1,6,7 Objective: To systematically synthesize the
clinical evidence on PCCT applications in perioperative imaging and anesthesiology, with emphasis
on airway assessment, thoracic and cardiovascular imaging, obesity, contrast exposure, and high-risk
surgical scenarios. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE,
Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from January 2010 to May 2026 using terms related
to photon-counting CT, photon-counting detector CT, spectral CT, perioperative imaging, preoperative
assessment, airway, thoracic imaging, cardiovascular imaging, and anesthesia. PRISMA 2020
recommendations were followed. Human clinical studies, systematic or scoping reviews, and
methodologically explicit narrative reviews reporting PCCT clinical applications with diagnostic or
perioperative relevance were included. Results: Fifteen clinical or synthesis publications on PCCT
were included, and anesthesiology references were integrated to contextualize perioperative
implications. The most relevant perioperative applications were coronary and vascular angiography,
high-resolution thoracic imaging, characterization of nodules and interstitial lung disease, dose
reduction in serial imaging, contrast optimization in patients at renal risk, and improved image quality
in obese patients. Direct evidence in anesthesiology remains limited; most benefits are inferred from
radiological, surgical, and cardiovascular studies. Conclusions: PCCT is a promising technology for
integrating advanced imaging into perioperative decision-making. Its anesthesiology-related potential
is focused on anticipating complex airways, cardiopulmonary assessment, thoracic and oncologic
surgical planning, and reducing radiation or contrast exposure in vulnerable patients. Prospective
studies centered on anesthetic outcomes are required to define its impact on perioperative
complications, clinical decision-making, and cost-effectiveness.
Keywords: computed tomography; photon counting; perioperative imaging; anesthesiology; airway;
preoperative assessment.
riesgo
vascular
o
identificar
1. Introducción
complicaciones postoperatorias. Sin
embargo, la TC convencional con
detectores integradores de energía
presenta limitaciones relacionadas
con ruido electrónico, artefactos por
endurecimiento del haz, menor
La tomografía computarizada (TC)
es una herramienta esencial en la
evaluación diagnóstica de pacientes
quirúrgicos
por
su
rapidez,
disponibilidad y capacidad para
caracterizar estructuras anatómicas
discriminación de materiales
y
complejas.
En
el
contexto
pérdida de resolución en estructuras
perioperatorio, la TC puede modificar
decisiones anestésicas y quirúrgicas
pequeñas.1,6,7
La PCCT utiliza detectores capaces
de convertir directamente cada fotón
incidente en una señal eléctrica y
clasificarlo según su energía. Este
cuando
alteraciones de la vía aérea, definir
extensión tumoral, valorar
enfermedad cardiopulmonar, estimar
permite
anticipar
mecanismo
elimina
el
ruido
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