title: Spiral (helical) CT.
abstract: Spiral (helical) computed tomography (CT) involves continuous patient translation during x-ray source rotation and data acquisition. As a result, a volume data set is obtained in a relatively short period of time. For chest or abdominal scanning, an entire examination can be completed in a single breath hold of the patient or in several successive short breath holds. The data volume may be viewed as conventional transaxial images or with multiplanar and three-dimensional methods. The authors review the technologic aspects of spiral CT, as well as its advantages, limitations, and current clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Heiken
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brink
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Vannier
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods; D016477:Artifacts; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*