Lung: spiral volumetric CT with single-breath-hold technique.

The authors adapted the transport system of a computed tomographic (CT) scanner with continuous rotation capability to examine complete lung subvolumes during a single breath hold. Twenty-four adult patients underwent scanning with up to 12 continuous 1-second rotations, and data acquisition was synchronized with longitudinal patient motion at one section thickness per second. Interpolated planar raw data were obtained retrospectively from any level within the volume, and these afforded high-quality images that were comparable to standard images. Solitary pulmonary nodules were not omitted, their centers could always be depicted, and secondary reformations as well as three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained easily. The authors conclude that spiral volumetric CT, by completely surveying a subvolume of the lung, is an attractive new application of CT.