Multislice CT: 64 slices and beyond.

Since the first introduction of 4-slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT) more than 6 years ago, MSCT imaging has achieved widespread acceptance and became a standard of care in routine clinical practice by offering high-speed, non-invasive, thin-slice diagnostic scanning for a wide range of clinical applications in radiology and cardiology. In the past year, the industry has witnessed an explosive increase in the amount of data obtained by MSCT and in the number at acquired slices to 32 and 64. While some experts have argued that a 16-slice system is sufficient from a practical standpoint, a closer examination of 32- and 64-slice systems offers new and superior clinical benefits over and above 16-slice technology, especially in imaging of the coronary arteries and in multiphase and functional studies.