Published in:
01-03-2004 | Original article
Use of thin-section, multidetector row helical CT images for coronal oblique reformations for optimal visualization of structures in the hepatoduodenal ligament
Authors:
S. C. Faria, E. P. Tamm, R. DuBrow, C. David, E. Loyer, D. Herron, Y. Sawaf, G. Ball, P. M. Silverman, C. Charnsangavej
Published in:
Abdominal Radiology
|
Issue 2/2004
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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.