Reproducibility of multi-slice spiral computed tomography scans: an experimental study.
In multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT) images interpolation artifacts are present. The relationship between the x-ray tube rotation angle and these artifacts is demonstrated. A head phantom was repeatedly scanned with a four-slice CT scanner at different pitch values. Two scans, made with identical scan parameters, nearly always have different x-ray tube starting angles. Consequently, artifacts appeared differently and residual artifacts appeared when subtractions were made. We conclude that only if the x-ray tube starting angle is equal for both scans or if a very low pitch is used, images are highly reproducible.
van Straten
Marcel
M
Department of Medical Physics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.van.straten@solstitium.net
Venema
Henk W
HW
Hartman
Joris
J
den Heeten
Gerard J
GJ
Grimbergen
Cornelis A
CA
D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*