Image Production, Evaluation, and Archiving in CT: A Review

Heidi Veillette, BSc, RT(R)(MR)*

^*Medical Writer, Veillette Communications; Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Address correspondence to: Heidi@VeilletteCommunications.com

Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the primary imaging modalities in the radiology department, capable of providing high-quality images in a short scan time. Acquiring a CT image first depends on setting appropriate imaging parameters to produce the X-ray beam and ensuring the correct anatomy is scanned. Depending on the protocol, there are different methods for acquiring CT images, including axial, helical, volumetric, and dual-energy CT scanning. After acquisition, the images are reconstructed and postprocessed for optimal viewing, with postprocessing techniques like multiplanar reformation and 3-dimensional reconstructions that are used to view anatomy from different angles while highlighting specific tissues. This course will essentially provide a review of some of the basic concepts of image production, display, quality, and reconstruction methods in CT. Specifically, the relationship between factors involved in image production, display, and manipulation will be explored. The ways in which image quality is impacted by noise, spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and artifacts will be outlined. Common imaging artifacts will be discussed, including their causes, appearances, and ways to minimize them. This course will also cover the radiologic technologist's (RT's) role in performing quality control tests and review how facilities can receive American College of Radiology Accreditation for their CT department. Finally, an overview of radiology informatics systems will be included, specifically regarding picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) networks, digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) files, and health records.