Principles and applications of multi-slice CT

In this review the technical principles and applications of multi-slice CT are discussed. Multi-slice CT systems allow simultaneous acquisition of up to 4 slices by using multi-row detector systems. Intuitive geometrical argu ments are used to establish the limitation to a maximum of 4 slices which i s kept by all currently existing multi-slice CT systems. Two different cons truction principles of the detector are discussed, the "fixed Array" detect or and the "Adaptive Array" detector. The extension of conventional 360 LI and 180 LI spiral interpolation techniques to multi-slice spiral CT is expl ained as well as a new generalized multi-slice spiral weighting concept, th e so-called "Adaptive Axial Interpolation". Several techniques to improve m ulti-slice spiral image quality are discussed. Finally, some examples for c linical applications are given, and the principle of ECG triggered and ECG gated cardiac examinations with optimized temporal resolution is presented. Multi-slice CT systems are a milestone with respect to increased volume co verage, shorter scan times, improved axial (longitudinal) resolution and be tter use of the X-ray tube output. Additionaly, new clinical applications a re possible such as Cardiac CT.