Use of thin-section, multidetector row helical CT images for coronal oblique reformations for optimal visualization...

Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) can acquire abdominal images of unprecedented thinness in a single breath-hold. This study investigated whether acquiring source axial images at 1.25 mm as opposed to 2.5 mm would result in a perceptible difference in image quality for coronal oblique reformations. Similarly, the hypothesis that a slice pitch of 3:1 would be superior to 6:1 was evaluated. Twenty-nine CT studies were retrospectively evaluated. The images were divided into four groups: 1.25-mm axial images, pitch 3:1; 2.5-mm axial images, pitch 3:1; 1.25-mm axial images, pitch 6:1; and 2.5-mm axial images, pitch 6:1. Three radiologists evaluated by consensus the coronal oblique reformations for overall image quality and image quality of structures in the hepatoduodenal ligament and of nodal groups. Use of 1.25-mm rather than of 2.5-mm source axial images resulted in statistically significant better scores for overall image quality and visualization of the hepatic artery, portal vein, pancreatic duct, and nodal groups. However, a pitch of 3:1 rather than of 6:1 did not result in significant differences in ratings of image quality. Use of 1.25-mm rather than of 2.5-mm source axial images improves image quality when creating coronal oblique reformations for abdominal anatomy.