title: Image quality of spiral CT versus conventional CT in routine brain imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Aim of the study was to compare image quality of spiral (helical) versus conventional (sequential) routine brain scans obtained on a spiral CT scanner of the latest generation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study 60 patients scheduled for cranial CT were examined in spiral (27 cases) or conventional technique (33 cases) after randomization. Two blinded observers rated artifacts, gray--white-matter contrast and overall image quality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences in artifacts were detected. Concerning gray--white-matter contrast and overall image quality, none or small differences in favour of conventional scans were found depending on the observer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On a modern scanner image quality of spiral brain scans in adults is nowadays comparable to or only slightly less than that of conventional scans. On such a machine, spiral mode can be recommended if, for example, rapid scanning or high-quality secondary reconstructions are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kuntz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skalej
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stefanou
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011786:Quality Control; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards