Thoracic helical CT

Radiographics. 1994 Jul;14(4):913-8. doi: 10.1148/radiographics.14.4.7938778.

Abstract

Helical CT depicts small pulmonary nodules not seen at conventional CT by elimination of respiratory misregistration and thorough analysis of a contiguous data volume. Pulmonary lesions can be analyzed in detail with use of retrospective reconstruction of the data volume. Multiplanar and three-dimensional images of lung masses and arteriovenous malformations are free of motion artifacts. The airways are clearly depicted by helical CT, a capability that enhances the radiologic evaluation of patients with hemoptysis, bronchial strictures, tumors, and recent lung transplantation. In comparison to conventional CT, helical CT provides a more consistent level of vascular enhancement because of the shortened acquisition time. Clinical applications include the detection of central pulmonary thromboemboli and the assessment of aortic aneurysms and dissections.

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Bronchial Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography, Thoracic*
  • Thorax / blood supply
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnostic imaging