Abstract
Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) can acquire abdominal images of unprecedented thinness in a single breath-hold. This study investigated whether acquiring source axial images at 1.25 mm as opposed to 2.5 mm would result in a perceptible difference in image quality for coronal oblique reformations. Similarly, the hypothesis that a slice pitch of 3:1 would be superior to 6:1 was evaluated. Twenty-nine CT studies were retrospectively evaluated. The images were divided into four groups: 1.25-mm axial images, pitch 3:1; 2.5-mm axial images, pitch 3:1; 1.25-mm axial images, pitch 6:1; and 2.5-mm axial images, pitch 6:1. Three radiologists evaluated by consensus the coronal oblique reformations for overall image quality and image quality of structures in the hepatoduodenal ligament and of nodal groups. Use of 1.25-mm rather than of 2.5-mm source axial images resulted in statistically significant better scores for overall image quality and visualization of the hepatic artery, portal vein, pancreatic duct, and nodal groups. However, a pitch of 3:1 rather than of 6:1 did not result in significant differences in ratings of image quality. Use of 1.25-mm rather than of 2.5-mm source axial images improves image quality when creating coronal oblique reformations for abdominal anatomy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 231-238 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Abdominal Imaging |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2004 |
Keywords
- Computed tomography
- Coronal oblique reformations
- Hepatoduodenal ligament
- Imaging processing
- Multidetector row computed tomographty
- Multislice computed tomography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Gastroenterology
- Urology