[The scanner: contribution of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging in rheumatology]

The whole body scanner (Exel 2,400) of the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne enables the three-dimensional reconstruction, with visualization, of the object in its real volume in less than 10 minutes after taking 20 to 40 radiological sections. The exploration can be complete at all levels. Bone lesions can be perfectly shown, the study of osteoarticular or intraspinal abnormalities is facilitated, all solution of continuity can be detected. A "soft parts" program as well as a "colour" program enable a clear and rapid visualization of organic lesions. Three-dimensional imaging can be of great value in rheumatology.