Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2004; 8(2): 137-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-829485
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Fundamentals of Multichannel CT

Jonas Rydberg1 , Yun Liang1 , Shawn D. Teague1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 June 2004 (online)

Multichannel computed tomography (MCCT) has created a technical revolution in CT scanning. Following the introduction of single-channel helical scanning in 1989, 4-channel systems were introduced in 1998 and 16-channel systems in 2002. The core of this new technique is the X-ray detector array design, which allows for multiple simultaneous registration of slice information during gantry rotation. This design allows for faster scanning and acquisition of thinner slice widths. The high-speed scanning also minimizes motion artifacts. The ability to scan with very thin slice thickness creates a scanned volume with isotropic voxels. This allows for two- and three-dimensional reconstructions with similar resolution as the source images. MCCT also allows for higher X-ray tube currents, which create better penetration of metallic orthopedic fixation devices. Musculoskeletal imaging benefits from MCCT because large anatomic areas may be covered with thin slices. When needed, high tube currents can be applied for scanning areas of interest in the presence of metal. Thin slice acquisition allows isotropic viewing, which we use routinely.

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Jonas RydbergM.D. 

Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine

University Hospital Room 0279, 550 North University Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN 46202

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