Introduction computed tomography

In 1998, the commercial introduction of multislice computed tomography made X-ray functional imaging possible. Specific contrast agents that could remain within the intravascular compartment for a substantially longer time than conventional nonspecific agents may allow the quantification of local blood volume, tissue perfusion and permeability and thus the characterization of several types of lesions. 

Computed tomography (CT) of the brain revolutionized the care of neurological patients and was instrumental in helping to elucidate many disease processes after its introduction. 

The introduction of computed tomography (CT scan) in 1972 was a major advance in visualizing almost aU parts of the body. Particularly useful in diagnosing tumors and other space-occupying lesions, it uses a tiny X-ray beam that traverses the body in an axial plane. Deteetors record the strength of the exiting X ra3 s. 

Computed tomography has shown considerable improvements for a couple of years. For the future the introduction of ceramic plates may be expected. Also here the introduction of new materials cannot be excluded, but seems less probable. 

Computed tomography (CT) has developed dramatically with the introduction of multi-row detector technology. Especially the abdomen, where motion artifacts due to respiratory motion and bowel peristalsis are disturbing, benefits greatly from this technique. While scanners with 64 or more detector rows are still most common in large community or university hospitals, scanners with between 2 and 16 slices are widely available even in private practice or in small hospitals. With the introduction of multi-detector CT (MDCT) bi- or even tri-phasic examinations of the liver can be combined into a thoraco-abdominal CT examination without compromise with regard to spatial or temporal resolution. The acquisition of the liver with a 64-slice scanner, for example, only requires a few seconds... 

Since its introduction in the early 1970s, computed tomography (CT) has undergone tremendous improvements in terms of technology, performance and clinical applications. Based on the historic evolution of CT and basic CT physics, this chapter describes the status quo of the technology and tries to anticipate future developments. Besides the description of key components of CT systems, a special focus is placed on breakthrough developments, such as multi-slice CT and dedicated scan modes for cardiac imaging. 

Di Chiro, G., Schellinger, D., 1976 Computed tomography of spinal cord after lumbar intrathecal introduction of Metrizamied (Computer Assisted Myelography). Radiology 120, 101—104. 

---