Multidetector row CT: principles and clinical applications.

Multidetector row CT (MDCT) is the latest advancement in CT technology. The use of multiple detector rows allows faster scanning and thinner collimation. These improvements allow routine scans to be performed faster with higher z-axis resolution. New applications can also be developed using this new technology. To fully appreciate the potential of these new MDCT scanners, it is important for the radiologist to be familiar with the scanner design and capabilities. This article reviews the basic principles of MDCT scanners. Scanner/detector design, beam collimation/slice thickness, radiation dose, data manipulation, and display are discussed.