J Korean Med Assoc.  2007 Jan;50(1):57-64. 10.5124/jkma.2007.50.1.57.

MDCT Application of Thoracic Imaging

• Chung MJ

• KMID: 2184795
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2007.50.1.57

Abstract

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) provides new opportunities and poses challenges for medical imaging to radiologists and physicians. Isotropic imaging (similar resolution in three dimensional directions) allows in-depth views of anatomy and disease. Ultra-fast scan enables whole-body volume imaging within a single breath hold and thus the reduction of contrast medium consumption. CT volume data sets can be used for threedimensional visualization of the whole body, with which the detailed and comprehensive interpretation of thoracic anatomy and specific disease location and extent is plausible. Moreover, four-dimensional CT imaging can be possible and therefore, we can observe and quantify cardiopulmonary functions without invasive procedures. The author reviews briefly the application of MDCT for the thoracic imaging.

Keyword

Computed tomography; Helical technology computed tomography; Utilization thorax; CT

MeSH Terms

Dataset
Diagnostic Imaging
Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography
Multidetector Computed Tomography

Figure

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  Figure 1 Comparison of multiplanar image reformatted from conventional CT and MDCT (A) Coronal reformatted image from single spiral CT with 5mm thick axial image (B) Coronal reformatted image from sixteen multidetector-row CT with 1.25mm thick axial image

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  Figure 2 Comparison of pixel and voxel. One pixel of axial CT has 0.5 × 0.5 mm size on XY plan. However Z axis length of this pixel on three dimensions is long to 10mm. This voxel shows unusually long hexahedron

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  Figure 3 How long scan with 1 mm slices thickness in 30 second scan time?

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  Figure 4 Diagram of penumbra effect

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  Figure 5 Diagram of beam transmission with traditional axial scan vs. cone beam scan of MDCT

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  Figure 6 Comprehensive interpretation of anatomy using multiplanar image (A) Plain radiography shows calcified granuloma in right upper lung zone (arrow) (B) Coronal reformatted image of MDCT shows similar view with (A) It shows calcified granuloma also and fibrotic bands in right upper lobe as an additional finding (arrows)

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  Figure 7 Pulmonary thromboembolism on multplanar CT angiography. Filling defect (arrow) in right inferior pulmonary artery is conspicuous within highly enhanced vascular structure (A) Axial image (B) Coronal image (C) Sagital image

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  Figure 8 Virtual bronchography using three dimensional volume rendering technique. Tubular structures with high (virtual) enhancement in right upper lobe and left lower lobe (arrows) are tubular bronchiectasis

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  Figure 9 Enhancement dynamic CT of pulmonary nodule. Serial images obtained at 30-second intervals and at similar levels show enhancement dynamics of nodule. We can extract objective attenuation of nodule and plot time-attenuation curve

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