Purpose: Analysis of patterns and causes of artifacts found in endographic
visualization of spiral CT data. Materials and methods: A straight perspex
tube with a diameter of 20 mm was scanned in three different positions with
ten scan protocols of varying table feed, increment, kernel, and signal to
noise ratio (Tomoscan AVE, Philips). The resulting 30 CT datasets were vis
ualized as a virtual endoscopy (VE) with ten different visualization protoc
ols (Easy Vision 4.2, Philips) of varying threshold, resolution, and perspe
ctive angle. 300 VE datasets were analyzed by two radiologists and compared
with the Visualization of a software-generated tube in order to differenti
ate scanning and software artifacts. Results: Five different classes of art
ifacts have been identified. Two of them result from the scanning process a
nd two from the specific Visualization method. Spiral patterns and the unev
enness of the tube wall vary with the scanning parameter. Moire-like patter
ns are caused by the VE software and depend on the visualization matrix. A
high perspective angle distorts the size and form of the tube and makes it
difficult for the observer to locate his position within the tube. The appe
arance of pseudoforamina depends on both the scanning and the visualization
parameters. Conclusion: The knowledge of the patterns and potential causes
of artifacts in endographic Visualization of spiral CT scans are the basis
for interpretation and optimization of this visualization method.