Multi-planar reconstruction as a method of eliminating streak artifact in computed tomographic images

Multi-planar reconstruction has been touted as an aid in the diagnosis of spinal canal disease. The basic information available on the transaxial CT sections can be reassembled in coronal, oblique, or sagittal planes. However, when this computed reconstruction is performed there is invariably an amount of image degradation related to the thickness of the transaxial sections. We have had experience in a case in which system artifact caused a greater degradation of the primary image than on the reconstructed image.