CT Flashcards
Doses
- CT Head - 2mSv
- CT Chest - 7mSv
- CT Abdo - 8mSv
- CTPA - 10mSv
- CT Abdo/Pelvis - 15mSv
Partial Volume
Makes high contrast objects appear larger
Makes low contrast objecto appear smaller
Beam Hardening
Causes a reduction in houndsfield units towards the centre of the image
Anode-cathode axis
Parallel with centre of scanner
In Z axis
Fan Beam
Is perpendicular to the anode-cathode axis
What is resolution in CT?
Measured in line pair/cm
7lp/cm in the transaxial plane
When directly compared with radiography:
1lp/mm vs 3lp/mm for radiography
Is contrast resolution better in CT than plain film?
Yes contrast resolution better in CT
(Spatial resolution better in plain film)
Does a narrow window increase or decrease noise?
Increases noise
Smaller FOV = less signal and more noise
What is anode cathode axis in CT?
Parallel to the axis of the scanner to minimise heel effect
What filtration is used in CT?
6mm of aluminium
or
0.5mm Copper which is equilivent
In newer scanners:
- 3mm aluminium
- 0.1mm copper
Total filtration 6mm equivilent
What collimation distance is used in CT?
50cm usually sufficient for most patients
Are detectors separated in CT?
Yes, this is to reduce light crossover
Reduces detection efficiency however (to 80%)
What is cone beam effect due to?
Due to divergence of beam in Z axis
Usually problematic when there are more than 4 slices
Increased number of slices = worse cone beam effect
Affects outer detectors rows more
For same mA and kV, does slice thickness affect dose?
No
Dose is independent of slice thickness
In an obese patient, is kV or mA increased? or both?
Just mA is increased
Which part of patient receives higher dose?
Periphery