[Multislice helical CT: principles, applications]

Abstract

The real innovation of multislice helical CT is its technology of detectors. These detectors may be isotropic, anisotropic or hybrid according to the manufacturers. Whatever the concept in terms of geometric resolution or evolutivity, all of them provide similar implementations and image quality. Data transfer and computer performances are as much as eight times higher than those of single slice CTs. Large pitches are routinely available. The speed of workstation softwares has been dramatically increased. Acquisition times have also been reduced like on new single-detector CTs. According to the machine, a 360 degrees rotation of the tube is obtained in 0.5 to 0.8 sec. Evolution more than revolution, there is need for further clinical expertise to know whether this new technology is able to substitute for other imaging modalities. In the meantime, what is sure is that it will generate new clinical applications.