Purpose: To develop a prototype for prospective respiratory-triggered multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for abdominal examinations and to assess its feasibility.
Materials and methods: The prototype consisted of the following components: an MDCT unit, personal computer (PC), and a respiratory motion detector in the form of a wearable belt with sensors to measure differences in pressure caused by breathing excursions. The registered signals were processed by the PC. The abdominal MDCT images of 10 healthy volunteers were obtained with an incremental axial technique in the expiration phase during normal breathing. Multiplanar reformations (MPR) were then performed. On the basis of the precision of these reconstructions, two radiologists then assessed the accuracy and applicability of the system.
Results: Coronal and sagittal MPR images from these prospective respiratory-gated examinations were found to be accurate. In particular, the continuity of borders and surfaces of scanned organs proved the exactness of the previously acquired respiration-correlated axial source images.
Conclusion: This prototype is feasible to perform prospective respiratory-triggered abdominal MDCT examinations during normal respiration without breathhold. This system may be useful for patients with reduced compliance in holding their breath.