Spiral computed tomography

Advanced imaging technique in medical diagnostics

Template:Infobox medical imaging

Spiral Computed Tomography (also known as Helical CT) is an advanced form of computed tomography (CT) that allows for continuous data acquisition during a single breath-hold. This technique is widely used in medical imaging to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

Principle of Operation

Spiral CT operates by rotating the X-ray source and detectors around the patient in a continuous spiral path. Unlike traditional CT, which acquires images slice by slice, spiral CT collects data in a continuous manner, allowing for faster scanning and improved image resolution.

Advantages

• Speed: Spiral CT scans are faster than conventional CT scans, reducing the time the patient needs to remain still and minimizing motion artifacts.
• Resolution: The continuous data acquisition provides higher resolution images, which are crucial for detecting small lesions or abnormalities.
• Coverage: It allows for the scanning of larger areas of the body in a single breath-hold, which is particularly beneficial for thoracic and abdominal imaging.

Applications

Spiral CT is used in various medical fields, including:

• Oncology: For detecting and monitoring tumors and metastasis.
• Cardiology: In coronary artery disease assessment and cardiac imaging.
• Pulmonology: For evaluating lung nodules and pulmonary embolism.
• Trauma: In emergency settings to quickly assess internal injuries.

Risks and Considerations

While spiral CT is a powerful diagnostic tool, it involves exposure to ionizing radiation. It is important to weigh the benefits against the risks, especially in pediatric and pregnant patients. Techniques such as dose modulation and shielding are employed to minimize radiation exposure.

See Also

• Computed tomography
• Radiology
• Medical imaging

External Links

• RadiologyInfo.org - Body CT
• National Cancer Institute - CT Scans