title: Helical (spiral) CT of the abdomen.
abstract: Since its clinical introduction in the mid 1970s, techniques for CT have undergone many changes that have dramatically altered how CT scans are obtained. Helical (spiral) CT allows for faster acquisition of truly volumetric CT data than is possible with conventional scanners. Routine helical CT of the abdomen is now possible because of three major technical refinements: the development of the slip-ring gantry, improved detector efficiency, and greater tube cooling capability. This article reviews the technical principles that govern helical CT, the potential advantages and disadvantages of this technique, and initial clinical experience with helical CT of the abdomen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007-2197.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Zeman
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Davros
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Griego
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Weltman
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ascher
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*