Multislice CT: principles and new CT-scan applications

The introduction of new array detector technology for multislice CT improves CT-scan capabilities. Compared to single-slice helical CT, this technique offers three significant advantages: the pitch can be increased by a factor of 4, resulting in shorter acquisition times and contrast media saving, the temporal and spatial resolution are improved and the slice thickness can be freely and retrospectively selected. This technique promises to revolutionize radiological practice, just as spiral systems did a decade ago. Multislice CT is particularly suitable for exploring the chest, the heart and the vessels. It is also specially useful for musculo-skeletal explorations and trauma patients.