[Spiral X-ray computed tomography: a new modality of scanner imaging]

Spiral computed tomography is a new imaging modality that presents several advantages when compared to conventional and dynamic computed tomography. It consists in a continuous rotation of the X-Ray tube around the anatomical area to be explored, simultaneously with a move of the examination table at a constant speed. Advantages are the short acquisition time (below one minute), optimization of the intravenous injection of the iodinated contrast material, acquisition of a gapless volume of data which can be post-processed, permitting axial reconstructed sections which are perfectly contiguous, as well as an easy access to 2D multiplanar and 3D reconstructions, with the benefit of a substantial decrease in patients' radiation. This paper will review the prominent advantages, as well as the current limitations, of this new imaging modality.