Advances in Computed Tomography - Essay Example

there are greater advantages with multi-slice computed tomography when compared to other imaging methods like single-slice computed tomography. Briefly, multi-slice computed tomography means that the scanner can acquire more than one slice at a time. This is possible because the detector system is composed of more than a single row of detector elements.

I aim to explore the numerous advantages that multi-slice computed tomography offers over other techniques like single-slice spiral computed tomography, the current applications of multi-slice computed tomography, and the future trends, as well as determine if there are any drawbacks to this procedure. I feel that this topic is very relevant to radiologic technologists because traditional computed tomography has rapidly evolved over the decades and continues to do so. It is therefore imperative to keep abreast of recent advances in computed tomography, as well as to know the further evolution of this imaging modality.

There are many advantages of multi-slice computed tomography. When compared to single-slice spiral computed tomography, multi-slice computed tomography seems to have a considerable edge. This is especially seen in the case of lung examination with multi-slice computed tomography. Some of the observations are reduced artifacts caused due to breathing and pulsation, the ability to get multiplanar sections through the lung parenchyma with a high resolution, and the possibility to simultaneously evaluate high resolution and standard imaging protocols from just a single data acquisition. Three-dimensional techniques like volume rendering and virtual bronchoscopy are also possible with multi-slice computed tomography.

I, therefore, feel that these advantages give multi-slice computed tomography better diagnostic accuracy. However, some of the disadvantages with multi-slice computed tomography that one must consider are: difficulty in reviewing and reporting the images, since the volume data contains a large amount of information and a very efficient system is required for archiving, the chance of increased radiation dose to the patient when compared to a single slice computed tomography, and the reduced collimation of the section gives rise to noise in the image.

However, I believe that these drawbacks will not limit the use of multi-slice computed tomography in any way, since the potential benefits outweigh the disadvantages. There are numerous clinical applications of multi-slice computed tomography. It can detect even small lung nodules, which facilitates early detection and staging of lung cancer when compared to chest radiography. Pulmonary emboli in the lungs can also be detected with ease.

Multi-slice computed tomography allows rapid imaging of cranial vessels in clear detail, and in the case of aneurysms, multi-slice computed tomography displays the shape of the aneurysm and the spatial relationship of the aneurysm with its feeding vessel. When compared to conventional coronary angiography, multi-slice computed tomography gives a superior reconstructed image of the coronary vasculature.

Virtual endoscopy is the negotiation of a virtual camera through a three-dimensional reconstruction of organs like the colon, bronchi, stomach, etc., which allows the exploration of these structures and subsequent planning for surgery. Multi-slice computed tomography facilitates this three-dimensional reconstruction. Currently, the most promising role for virtual endoscopy is in the screening and detection of small colonic polyps.

Future trends in multi-slice computed tomography would probably see the development of thinner detector rows, wider detector arrays, faster tube rotation, and area detectors. A greater emphasis would be placed on techniques to reduce noise. The concern about increased radiation exposure will be addressed with individual dose modulation and higher isotropic resolution.

The next generation of multi-slice computed tomography scanners will have functional and perfusion imaging, advanced image processing, and computer-aided diagnosis programs.

The continuous evolution of computed tomography has seen many technological improvements, and multi-slice computed tomography is one such revolutionary development. It has numerous advantages like faster acquisition speed, reduced artifacts, reduced need for contrast, high-resolution images, etc. Although this imaging modality has some drawbacks like increased radiation exposure, and difficulty in reviewing, reporting, and archiving data, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. 

The clinical applications of multi-slice computed tomography include the ability to detect small lung nodules, visualization of cranial vessels and aneurysms, cardiac imaging, and virtual colonoscopy. The future trends in development will include functional and perfusion imaging, advanced image processing, and computer-aided diagnosis programs.  Problems like noise and excess radiation exposure are likely to be tackled effectively.