Efficacy of fine focal spot technique in CT angiography of neck.

Objectives: Focal spot size partially defines spatial resolution of a CT system. Many CT tubes have two focal spot sizes, with the finer one allowing more detailed imaging at the cost of photon intensity and increased heat production. Improved X-ray technology and advancement of various generations of iterative reconstruction allow the use of fine focal spot technique in CT angiography.

Liver detection algorithm: its efficacy for CT noise reduction in the liver.

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel computed tomography (CT) liver detection algorithm (LDA), which allows for targeted increase of radiation dose to the upper abdomen, on image quality of the liver.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the LDA by comparing 40 consecutive patients who had portal venous CT abdomen performed without use of the algorithm, to 40 patients in whom the algorithm was used. Image quality was assessed objectively by comparing the standard deviation (SD) of attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) of the abdominal organs.

Efficacy of 'fine' focal spot imaging in CT abdominal angiography.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of fine focal spot imaging in calcification beam-hardening artefact reduction and vessel clarity on CT abdominal angiography (CTAA).

Methods: Adult patients of any age and gender who presented for CTAA were included. Thirty-nine patients were examined with a standard focal spot size (SFSS) of 1 × 1 mm in the first 3 months while 31 consecutive patients were examined with a fine focal spot size (FFSS) of 1 × 0.