Understanding Dual-Source CT

May 1, 2008 | Evaluations & Guidance

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Dual-source CT is designed to shorten the image-acquisition time for CT scans by adding a second x-ray source and detector to the gantry. This means that the gantry needs to rotate only half as far to carry out a scan. Consequently, the desired image information can be captured in half the time required for conventional single-source CT.

The chief benefit of this improvement in exposure time is the ability to capture moving anatomy—most notably the heart—with considerably less blurring. This capability greatly improves the performance of cardiac CT, specifically coronary artery scanning (coronary CT angiography).

Dual-source CT also allows the use of dual-energy imaging, which can greatly improve the differentiation of tissue types and even automatically characterize anatomical features. Plus, dual-source doubles the effective power of the CT system, allowing larger patients to be scanned without compromising image quality.

This article explains how dual-source technology works, outlines its potential drawbacks, and reviews cost considerations. For a rundown of the pros and cons of dual-source CT compared...

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