Volumetric cine imaging for cardiovascular circulation using prototype 256-detector row computed tomography scanner (4-dimensional computed tomography): a preliminary study with a porcine model.

This is a preliminary demonstration of volumetric cine imaging of cardiovascular circulation in domestic pigs using a prototype 256-detector row computed tomography (CT) scanner. The scan range is approximately 120 mm in the craniocaudal direction, with a 0.5-mm slice thickness. The thin sections can be used to create cine loops in multiple planes. Thus, the 256-detector row CT scanner overcomes some of the limitations of present helical CT methods.