Computed Tomography

Its History and Technology

 Innovations For People

The initial use of computed tomography (CT) for applications

in radiological diagnostics during the seventies sparked a
revolution in the field of medical engineering. And even
throughout the eighties, a CT examination lost little if any of
its special and exclusive character. In the meantime, however,
times have changed. Today computed tomography represents
a perfectly natural and established technology which has
advanced to become an indispensable and integral component
of routine work in clinics and medical practices.

The following brochure will give you insights into the history of
computed tomography as well as its present status. Nevertheless,
this is an on-going development process. And Siemens will
continue to consistently extend its leading position in CT
technology. With you. For you. And for your patients.

2 CT Basics
Historical Outline 4
State of the Art 12
Sequential CT 12
Spiral CT 13
Setup of a CT System 14
Scanning unit (gantry) 15
X-ray components 15
Data acquisition components 16
Scanner Parameters 18
Collimation 18
Increment 19
Pitch 20
Rotation time 21
mAs 22
Image Generation 23
A CT image is produced 23
What does a CT image show? 24
Windowing 24
Image Evaluation and Image Processing 25
Two-dimensional displays 26
Three-dimensional displays 27
Clinical Use of CT 32
CT in general clinical use 32
Advantages of spiral CT in clinical use 32
CT-Angiography (CTA) 33
When is a CT examination indicated? 33

3
 Historical Outline

The invention of computed tomography is considered to be the

greatest innovation in the field of radiology since the discovery
of X-rays. This cross-sectional imaging technique provided
diagnostic radiology with better insight into the pathogenesis
of the body, thereby increasing the chances of recovery. In
1979, G.N. Hounsfield and A.M. Cormack were awarded the
Nobel Prize in medicine for the invention of CT.

Today, CT is one of the most important methods of radiological

diagnosis. It delivers non-superimposed, cross-sectional images
of the body, which can show smaller contrast differences than
conventional X-ray images. This allows better visualization of
specific differently structured soft-tissue regions, for example,
which could otherwise not be visualized satisfactorily.

Since the introduction of spiral CT in the nineties, computed

tomography has seen a constant succession of innovations.
The development of slipring technology allowed for a
continuously rotating gantry – the prerequisite for spiral CT.
The first spiral CT scanner was a Siemens SOMATOM Plus system.
Today this technology is widely used.

4 CT Basics
 11/08/1895 1896 1903 1913

Discovery of X-ray E.A.O. Pasche Gustav Bucky

radiation

F.H. Williams William D. Coolidge

F.H. Williams succeeds in Gustav Bucky develops the

taking the first chest X-ray scattered radiation grid in
in Boston, and Carl Berlin, Germany
Schleussner develops the
Discoverer: The physicist E.A.O. Pasche builds a
first silver bromide coated The engineer William D.
and later nobel prize collimator for suppressing
photographic X-ray plates Coolidge builds the first high-
winner Wilhelm Conrad scattered radiation
in Frankfurt a. Main, vacuum hot-cathode tube in
Roentgen (1845–1923),
Germany Massachusetts, USA
dean at the Julius Radiation protection for
Maximilian University of all parties involved for the
Diagnostic results can Image quality is improved
Wuerzburg and holder of first time; until then, both
now be archived; until by eliminating scattered
the chair of physics patients and physicians
then, fluorescent screens radiation before it strikes
always had to face the
resulting in high radiation the X-ray film. Performance
“bare“ X-ray tube
exposure had been used and durability of X-ray tubes
greatly enhanced

M i l e s t o n e s i n t h e H i s t o r y o f C T

X-ray image of
his wife’s hand
5
 1930/31 1972 1974 1976 1978

Allesandro Vallebona SIRETOM

SOMATOM

Godfrey N. Hounsfield
Bernard Ziedses Instant image
des Plantes reconstruction SOMATOM 2

Allesandro Vallebona develops First CT system

stratigraphy, thus paving the way In London, Godfrey N. from a medical
for tomography Hounsfield’s development equipment ECG-synchronized
of computed tomography manufacturer CT image
Not long after, Bernard Ziedses marks the beginning of
des Plantes develops planigraphy, a new era in diagnostic 512 x 512 display
thereby further refining the imaging matrix
tomographic technique and
creating geometrically perfect With the aid of computed OPTI X-ray
images for the first time tomography it was tube with high
possible for the first heat capacity:
To some extent this helped time to produce non- 1.0 MHU
overcome the disadvantage superimposed images
of superimposition in the two- 5 s scan time
of an object slice. Using
dimensional display of three- so-called convolvers, Whole body CT
dimensional objects where digitized scan data are
relevant structural information reconstructed into an
can be lost; the required image of a slice plane
planigraphic depth had to
be guessed

SIRETOM CT system

6
 1981/82 1983/84 1985/86 1987/88
SOMATOM Plus

SOMATOM DR3 1 s/360° slipring

technology
SOMATOM CR
Continuous rotation of
SOMATOM DRH
tube and detector

512 x 512 reconstruction ± 25° gantry tilt angle Modern applications: Shorter examination
matrix DYNAMIC CT and 3D times
70 cm gantry opening
with MPR and SSD
50 cm FOV (display field); Increased patient comfort
OPTI X-ray tube with (Shaded Surface
graphically selectable and
1.75 MHU Display) DURA X-ray tube with
continuously variable
4.3 MHU
Integrated MPR 3D Shaded Surface
3 s scan time for a full
function (Multi Planar Display (SSD) 40 kW DURA generator
360° rotation
Reformatting)
Integrated gantry cooling:
1 mm slice width
Heat exchanger
0.5 mm high-contrast
1024 x 1024 display and
resolution
documentation matrix
OPTI X-ray tube with
Real-time MPR
1.35 MHU
Selection of five slice
Automatic scanning
thicknesses (1–10 mm)
(AutoScan)

Graphically specified scan

range

Coronales MPR,
Femurkopf/Azetabulum,
SOMATOM DRH

3D Oberflächendarstellung
Schlüsselbeinfraktur,
SOMATOM DRH

7
 1989 1990 1991
SOMATOM AR

First spiral CT scanner in

routine operation
Intuitive, mouse-controlled
SOMATOM Plus-S Windows™ user
interface

Continuous volume
measurement

Data acquisition during Compact slipring scanner

one breath hold 32 s continuous Monitor with 4-quadrant display
SPIRAL scan (5122 ea.) for multitasking
24 s/24 cm continuous
volume acquisition QUANTILLARC 3 High-efficiency QUANTILLARC 4
detector detector

Intuitive
Windows™
Spiral CT acquisition with user interface,
continuous tabletop feed mouse-
controlled

Left: 3D Shaded Surface SOMATOM AR

Display of the lung, high-
resolution, spiral CT

Right: Spiral CT, lung,

high-resolution, 2 mm,
SOMATOM Plus

8 CT Basics
 1992 1994

SOMATOM Plus 4
Integrated CT-Angiography 0,75 s SPIRAL 1,0 s SPIRAL

Subsecond spiral CT
30 cm/
40 cm/ 30 s
30 s

DURA-S X-ray tube with 4.3 MHU Larger volumes acquired faster,
shorter breath hold, increased patient More volume in
Prospective and retrospective
comfort, improved thin-slice the same time
overlapping SPIRAL reconstruction
resolution
SPIRAL XP: 40 s (pitch variable from
0.75 s scan time for a full 360° 0.75 s SPIRAL 1.0 s SPIRAL
1:1 to 2:1)
rotation, 0.5 s for a quick scan
Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)
100 s/130 cm multiple spiral
and Minimum Intensity Projection
acquisition with 1:1 pitch
(MinIP) incl. editing function for CTA
Selection of six-slice thicknesses
(1–10 mm)

± 30° remote-controlled gantry tilt

QUANTILLARC 6 inert gas detector

40–55 kW modularly upgradeable

DURA generator Improved thin-slice
CT-Angio (MIP) DURA X-ray tube with 5.3 MHU resolution
of the renal
arteries,
22 s 0.75 s SPIRAL
SOMATOM
Plus-S

CT-Angio (MIP)
of the circle 30 s 1.0 s SPIRAL
of Willis, The same volume
SOMATOM in less time
Plus-S
Subsecond spiral CT, long MPR, Advantages of subsecond
abdomen/pelvis, SOMATOM Plus 4 SPIRAL scans
9
 1996/97 1998 1999

Lightning UFC™
syngo software

SOMATOM Volume Zoom

UFC Ultra Fast Ceramic Multislice spiral scanning

Detector with 4 slices per rotation

Same image quality with Fastest rotation time Intuitive user interface for
significantly reduced of 0.5 s all medical applications and
radiation dose products
Virtually isotropic
Improved MPR – coronal/ resolution
sagittal/oblique
HeartView CT: First use
Real-time image display of Cardio CT in routine
(1 image/rotation) operation, temporal
resolution of up to 125 ms
Volume Rendering Technique
(VRT) SureView™:
Reconstruction algorithm
for multislice spiral
scanning

10
 2000 2001 2002

SOMATOM Smile SOMATOM Sensation 16

CARE Dose

Multislice scanning with 16 slices

per rotation
Designed to be the Isotropic resolution of up to
smallest and most cost- 0.6 mm
effective spiral CT scanner Dose modulation for Routine submillimeter slices
reduced radiation (16 x 0.75 mm)
Plug-and-play installation
Cardio CT with extremely high
Do-it-yourself application image quality – temporal
training and service resolution of up to 105 ms with
concept supported by HeartView CT
interactive CD-ROMs
Reconstruction algorithm with
cone beam correction

11
 State of the Art

Sequential CT

A cross-sectional image is produced by scanning a

transverse slice of the body from different angular
positions while the tube and detector rotate 360°
Tubes
around the patient with the table being stationary.
The image is reconstructed from the resulting
Gantry
projection data.

If the patient moves during the acquisition, the data Patient

table
obtained from the different angular positions are no
longer consistent. The image is degraded by motion Detectors
artifacts and may be of limited diagnostic value. The
tomographic technique is suitable only to a limited
extent for the diagnosis of anatomical regions with
automatism functions such as the heart or the lung.

12 CT Basics
 Direction of patient Path of rotation tube
transport and detector

0 z, mm
0 t, s

Spiral CT

Spiral CT is often referred to as “volume scanning“. This implies

a clear differentiation from conventional CT and the tomographic
technique used there. Spiral CT uses a different scanning
principle. Unlike in sequential CT, the patient on the table is
moved continuously through the scan field in the z direction
while the gantry performs multiple 360° rotations in the same
direction. The X-ray thus traces a spiral around the body and
produces a data volume. This volume is created from a multitude
of three-dimensional picture elements, i.e. voxels.

The table movement in the z direction during the acquisition

will naturally generate inconsistent sets of data, causing every
image reconstructed directly from a volume data set to be
degraded by artifacts. However, special reconstruction principles
– interpolation techniques which generate a planar set of data
for each table position – produce artifact-free images. Thus it
is possible to reconstruct individual slices from a large data
volume by overlapping reconstructions as often as required.

Software applications enable the clinical use of spiral CT

even for regions which are subject to involuntary
movements.

13
 Setup of a CT System

A CT system comprises several components.

These basically include:

• The scanning unit, i.e. the gantry, with tube
and detector system
• The patient table
• The image processor for image reconstruction
• The console

The console represents the man-machine interface

and is designed to be multifunctional. It is the control
unit for all examination procedures, and is also used
to evaluate the examination results. To enhance the
workflow, Siemens has developed a double console
capable of performing both functions at the same
time.

14 CT Basics
 X-ray components

• Tube
Manufacturers of CT systems use X-ray tubes with
variable focal spot sizes. This makes sense, because
volumes for which good low-contrast resolution is
essential need to be scanned with a large focal spot
and high power, whereas high resolution images
with thin slices require a small focal spot. Tubes
Scanning unit (gantry)
used in modern CT scanners have a power rating
A CT scanning system consists of an X-ray unit, which of 20–60 kW at voltages of 80 to 140 kV. The
functions as a transmitter, and a data acquisition unit, systems can, however, be operated at maximum
which functions as a receiver. In commercial CT power for a limited time only. These limits are
systems these two components are housed in a ring- defined by the properties of the anode and the
shaped unit called the gantry. generator. To prevent overloading of the X-ray tube,
the power must be reduced for long scans. The
development of multi-row detector systems has
practically excluded this limitation, since these
detector systems make much more efficient use
of the available tube power.

• Shielding
Each CT scanner is equipped with grids, collimators
and filters to provide shielding against scattered
radiation, to define the scan slice and to absorb the
low-energy portion of the X-ray spectrum. In this
way, both the patient and the examiner are
protected.

15
 X-ray radiation
Scintillation crystal

Photodiode
Light

••
•••
••

UFC Detector v

Data acquisition components

• Detector
The detector system plays a special role in the interaction of
the CT components. It converts the incident X-rays of varying
intensity to electric signals. These analog signals are amplified
by downstream electronic components and converted to
digital pulses. Over time, certain materials have proven very
effective in the utilization of X-rays. For example, Siemens
uses UFC (Ultra Fast Ceramic) Detectors which, due to their
excellent material properties, dramatically improve image
quality.

16 CT Basics
 Adaptive array detector

5 mm 2.5 mm 1.5 1 1 1.5 2.5 mm 5 mm

Ultra Fast Ceramic Detector (UFC)

2 x 0.5 mm 4 x 1 mm 4 x 2.5 mm 4 x 5 mm

Variable slice collimation through primary collimation

and electronic signal combination

• Multi-row detector
Multi-row detectors utilize radiation delivered from the
X-ray tube more efficiently than single-row detectors. By
simultaneously scanning several slices, the scan time can be
reduced significantly or the smallest details can be scanned
within practicable scan times. In the adaptive array detectors
used by Siemens, the rows inside the detector are very narrow,
becoming wider as you move toward its outer edges in the
z direction (longitudinal axis of the body). A combination
of collimation and electronic interconnection provides
considerable flexibility in the selection of slice thicknesses.
At the same time the space required by the detector septa,
and therefore the unused space, is minimized.

17
 Scanner Parameters

Collimation

The radiation beam emitted by the X-ray tube is shaped

using special diaphragms also referred to as ”collimators”.
A distinction can be made between two types of collimators.
The source collimator is located directly in front of the radiation
source – i.e. the X-ray tube. It reduces the radiation beam to
form the maximum required fan beam, thus also determining
the emitted dose.

The detector collimator, which is positioned directly in front

of the detectors, is primarily used to shield the detector against
scattered radiation, thus preventing image artifacts. The
collimation and focal size determine the quality of the slice
profile.

From the data volume from a multislice scanner images can be

reconstructed with slice thickness equal to or larger than the
detector collimation. For example, a 5 mm collimation allows
images to be reconstructed with a slice thickness of 5 mm
or more. The widest range of possibilities in the selection of
collimation and reconstructed slice thicknesses is offered in
spiral CT using multidetector systems.

18 CT Basics
 Figure 1
Increment

The increment determines the distance between images

reconstructed from a data volume. If an appropriate increment
is used, overlapping images can be reconstructed. In sequential
CT, overlapping images are obtained only if the table feed
between two sequences is smaller than the collimated slice
Increment Slice thickness
thickness. This, however, increases the patient dose.

In spiral CT the increment is freely selectable as a reconstruction

parameter, i.e. by selecting the increment the user can
retrospectively and freely determine the degree of overlap
without increasing the dose. Overlapping reconstructions offer
the advantage of better image quality due to lower noise and
easier and more accurate diagnosis of small structures.
Overlapping slices
An illustrative example: A 100 mm range was acquired in the
spiral mode with 10 mm collimation. After the acquisition,
slices of 10 mm thickness can be reconstructed at any point of Figure 2
this range. If an increment of 10 mm is used, contiguous slices
of 10 mm thickness are reconstructed every 10 mm.
(see figure 1).

If an increment of 5 mm is used, slices of 10 mm thickness are

reconstructed every 5 mm. The slices overlap by 50%. With an
appropriate increment an overlap of 90% can be achieved.
Modern CT systems allow the reconstruction of slices with
arbitrary increments (see figure 2). A clinical useful overlap
is 30%–50%.

19
 15 s 30 s

The first pitch scans the same volume in less time

Pitch

An important factor in spiral scanning is the table feed per

rotation. The larger the table feed, the faster (i.e. with fewer
rotations) a body region can be scanned. However, if the table
feed is too large, image quality will be impaired. In this context
the term “pitch“ is used. For single-row systems the definition

pitch = table feed per rotation/collimation

is generally accepted. Experience has shown that a good image

quality can be obtained with a pitch between 1 and 2. It should
also be noted that the dose can be significantly reduced in
single-row systems if a pitch factor > 1 is applied. In the context
of multi-row systems, pitch cannot yet be defined clearly. The
ambiguity involved becomes apparent in the following example
(SOMATOM Sensation 4):

Collimation 4 x 2.5 mm, table feed 10 mm

First possibility: pitch = 10 mm/4 x 2.5 mm = 1

Second possibility: pitch = 10 mm/2.5 mm = 4

To avoid misunderstandings, we use “feed per rotation“ rather

than “pitch“ on the user interface.

20 CT Basics
Rotation time

Rotation time is the time interval needed for a complete 360°

rotation of the tube-detector system around the patient. It
affects the spiral scan length and thus the coverage of the scan
range during a certain period of time. Ultra modern CT systems
require only 0.4 seconds for one rotation. A short rotation time
has the following advantages:

• A longer spiral scan can be acquired in the same scan time

• The same volume and the same slice thickness can be scanned
in less time

• Motion artifacts are eliminated

• Savings on contrast media through shorter examination times

• Reduced patient discomfort, since less contrast medium

is required

For shorter examination times or fast acquisition of large

anatomical regions a subsecond rotation time is recommended.
This applies especially, for instance, to constantly moving organs
such as the heart.

21
 mAs

The mAs value (e.g. 100 mAs) is the product of the Siemens CT scanners also feature the CARE Dose
tube current (e.g. 200 mA) and the rotation time technical measures package (CARE = Combined
(e.g. 0.5 s). Applications to Reduce Exposure), which was
developed to reduce patient exposure to radiation.
In multi-row CT systems we simplify this equation by
This package guarantees shorter examination times,
using what is commonly called “effective mAs”. This
the lowest possible exposure to radiation, and images
is the product of the tube current and the exposure
of excellent quality.
time for one slice (rotation x collimation/feed per
rotation). Ultra modern computer technology “monitors” the
patient during the entire examination period. During
The selected mAs and tube voltage determine the
each rotation, the radiation is continuously measured
dose. The mAs value selected depends on the type
and modulated according to the current attenuation
of examination. Higher mAs values reduce the image
level. CARE Dose thus makes it possible to vary the
noise, thus improving the detectability of lower
radiation dose depending on the patient’s anatomy
contrasts. For visualizations of soft tissue, i.e. regions
and thus reduce it by as much as 56%.
of low contrast, a higher dose and larger slice thickness
are required. The abdomen and brain are typical Scanner parameters determine the image quality.
regions of soft-tissue contrast. Visualizations of bones Optimal performance of spiral CT systems can be
or the lungs, i.e. regions of high contrast, as well as achieved only with an optimal combination of
contrast studies of vessels require lower doses and parameters.
thinner slices.

22 CT Basics
Image Generation

A CT image is produced
Translation
X-ray
Acquisition: tube
In the simplest case, the object (here a round cylinder) is linearly Collimator
scanned by a thin, needle-like beam. This produces a sort
of shadow image (referred to as ”attenuation profile” or Rotation
”projection”), which is recorded by the detector and the image
Detector and
processor. Following further rotation of the tube and the detector measuring
by a small angle, the object is once again linearly scanned from Attenuation electronics
another direction, thus producing a second shadow image. This profile
(simplified)
procedure is repeated several times until the object has been
scanned for a 180° rotation.
Backprojection
Display: without convolution with convolution
The various attenuation profiles are further processed in the 0 projections
image processor. In the case of simple backprojection, each
attenuation profile in the scanning direction is added up in 1 projection
the image memory. This results in a blurred image due to the
disadvantage of this simple backprojection, i.e. each object
3 projections
not only contributes to its own display, but also influences
the image as a whole. This already becomes visible after 3
N projections
projections. To avoid this problem, each attenuation profile is °
subjected to a mathematical high-pass filter (also referred to
as ”kernel”) prior to the backprojection. This produces overshoot
N projections
and undershoot at the edges of the object. The mathematical °
operation is referred to as ”convolution”. The convolved
attenuation profiles are then added up in the image memory Profile
to produce a sharp image. section Ka 2000

23
 Lung window Soft-tissue window
What does a CT image show?

The CT image does not show these µ values directly,

but the CT numbers according to Hounsfield:

CT number =1000 (µ – µwater) / µwater,

CT no.
CT numbers are measured in HU = Hounsfield units. The CT
HU Compact bone
number of water and air is defined as 0 HU and –1000 HU 1000
respectively; this scale has no limit in the positive range 800
of values. Medical scanners typically work in a range of 600
–1024 HU to +3071 HU. 400 Spongy 250
bone
200 200
Water 50
0 +4 Fat
Windowing -4 -80
-200 -100

In the CT image, density values are represented as gray scale -400 Lungs
-600
values. However, since the human eye can discern only approx. -550
-800 -950
80 gray scale values, not all possible density values can be -1000
Air -990
-1000
displayed in discernible shades of gray. For this reason, the
density range of diagnostic relevance is assigned the whole
range of discernible gray values. This process is called CT no.
windowing. HU
80 Liver
To set the window, it is first defined which CT number the 70 Blood
70
central gray scale value is to be assigned to. By setting the 60 60 50
Pancreas 50
window width, it is then defined which CT numbers above and 50 Kidneys
40 50
below the central gray value can still be discriminated by varying 40 30
30 20
shades of gray, with black representing tissue of the lowest
20
density and white representing tissue of the highest density.
10
0

24 CT Basics The Hounsfield scale

Image Evaluation and Image Processing

The first obvious results of any CT examination are Examples of 2D post processing capabilities offered
the axial cross-sectional images. Since these images by modern CT systems:
are already available in digital form on a storage
• Display of the CT numbers of arbitrary pixels in
medium, they can be processed immediately by the
the image
processor. The evaluation of geometrical parameters
such as distance, area, angle and volume as well as • Display of the CT number profiles along arbitrary
density measurements are part of clinical routine intervals in the image
today. The tissue density is determined using the CT • Zoom and shift of image segments
number averaged over a defined evaluation area, • Filtering of images
the so-called Region Of Interest (ROI). Geometrical • Addition, subtraction or other possibilities of image
parameters can be defined more accurately than in overlapping
conventional radiography, since the problems of
The terms “two-dimensional“ (2D) and “three-
superimposition and distortion do not exist in CT.
dimensional“ (3D) refer to the image content.
Views showing entire volumes are referred to as
“3D displays”.

25
 sagittal coronary transversal

Two-dimensional displays

CT mainly uses the transverse plane as the imaging An extension of the MPR technique allows the
plane. Therefore, views of other orientations usually interactive combination of thin slices into slices (slabs)
have to be reconstructed from the original images. of any thickness. This technique is used for better
This is done by Multi Planar Reformation (MPR). visualization of structures, such as vessels, which
extend across several slices. This technique has
With MPR, a series of axial images are combined to
become known as Sliding-Thin-Slab (STS).
form a stack. By aligning the same columns and rows
of all images of a series, the computer reconstructs
Advantages of two-dimensional displays
contiguous images for any arbitrary plane. The
examiner can then interactively page through these • Direct, accurate display of CT numbers
images, using the mouse for example, and evaluate • Easy orientation in the volume
them (iMPR). By paging forwards and backwards, • Unambiguous interpretation of image values
he finds the image which most clearly shows the
• Interactive evaluation on the monitor
anatomical and pathological detail of interest.
• Basis for 3D images
4-quadrant displays with axial, sagittal, coronary,
and oblique slice orientation are standard today
and provide a good overview.

26 CT Basics
Three-dimensional displays

For 3D visualizations the position and viewing direction

with respect to the volume of interest must be
indicated. Along this viewing direction through the
data volume a spatial image is reconstructed from
the CT numbers pixel by pixel. Such virtual views are
Shaded Surface
especially suitable for structures which clearly stand
Display (SSD)
out against their surrounding area, such as the skeletal
system or contrast-filled vessels.

Maximum Intensity
Projection (MIP)

27
 CT number
HU
Virtual light
source Calcification
600

400 Lumen filled CT number

with CM profile along
the search beam

200
160 HU
threshold Soft tissue

5 10 y, cm
Observer’s position

• Shaded Surface Display (SSD)

For threshold based surface displays a CT number, With SSD it must be noted that the gray scale values
e.g. 150 HU, is predefined as a threshold. All pixels, are no longer related to the original density of the
i.e. voxels, which exceed this threshold value structures. For example, if several structures which
contribute to the result image. From the viewer‘s exceed the threshold value are superimposed in
position these are all those pixels along each beam the viewing direction, only the structure closest
which first exceed the threshold. The surface is to the front surface of the monitor is displayed.
then reconstructed from the totality of pixels and This also applies if the structures behind it have
illuminated by an artificial light source to create a considerably higher CT numbers.
shading effect (Surface Shaded Display, SSD). The
It also needs to be taken into account that SSD
shading effect intensifies the depth impression
displays always depend on the threshold value
for the viewer. With this technique, however, the
selected. For example, the display of vascular
original density information from the CT numbers
stenoses can be distorted by selecting an
is lost.
inappropriate threshold. If the threshold value is
increased, a higher degree of stenosis results, if it
is decreased, stenoses may be obscured. In this way
calcifications and contrast medium in the vessels
can no longer be differentiated. Therefore, SSD
images are hardly suitable for diagnosis. They are,
however, used to document results or for 3D
displays.

28 CT Basics
 CT number
HU

Calcification
600

400 Lumen filled CT number

with CM profile along
the search beam

200
160 HU
threshold Soft tissue

5 10 y, cm
Observer’s position

• Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)

Maximum Intensity Projections (MIP) are based on In contrast to SSD, with this technique a minimum
the voxels with the highest density, i.e. CT number. of density information is retained. Moreover, the
Along a virtual beam extending from the viewer projection is always a combination of those voxels
through the 3D image volume, the voxel with the from the entire volume that have the highest
highest density value is displayed in the resulting density, irrespective of whether these voxels are
MIP image. Each MIP image is therefore a 2D located further towards the front or the back of the
projection image. Running several MIP images image. Unlike in SSD images, calcifications and
in fast sequence can create a realistic spatial contrast medium are clearly differentiated in MIP
impression. For this, an image series is created images.
by varying the viewing angle in small steps.
Alternative to the MIP image, it is also possible
to display pixels with the lowest intensity in the
projection image. These images are called MinIP
images. They are used to display structures such
as the bronchial tree.

29
 CT number
HU

Calcification
600

400 Lumen filled CT number

with CM profile along
the search beam

200
160 HU
threshold Soft tissue

5 10 y, cm
Observer’s position

• Volume Rendering Technique (VRT)

Volume Rendering Technique (VRT) refers to the

process of reconstructing a 3D model from a 2D
image stack. VR techniques go beyond SSD and MIP
techniques in their basic approach and performance.
They are not limited to a certain threshold or
maximum density value. Instead, all density
values along a virtual beam which have a suitable
weighting can contribute to the result image. In
contrast to MIP and SSD, the entire Hounsfield scale
can be included in VRT. Each CT number is assigned
an opacity and color via freely selectable and
interactively modifiable transfer functions. This
makes it possible to simultaneously display an
extremely wide variety of tissue structures of various
density or HU value in a single volume data set.

30 CT Basics
• Virtual endoscopy (VE)

A special type of VRT is perspective Volume

Rendering (pVR), which is used mainly to generate
virtual endoscopic views. This technique is used to
obtain a perspective view of the display region.
Virtual endoscopy is mainly used for anatomical
cavities: These include, for example, the bronchial
tree, large vessels, the colon and paranasal sinuses.
Advantages of three-dimensional displays
But VE is also used for areas not directly accessible
for conventional endoscopy, such as the cisternae • Realistic display of volumes
of the brain or the gastrointestinal region.
• Presentation of the entire volume in one
When the endoscope is inserted in a cavity displayed single image
with the perspective Volume Rendering Technique, • Improved recognition of diagnostically
this gives the user the impression of “flying through” relevant details
the displayed region (virtual flight).
• Helpful for more precise surgical planning
• CT image data as a basis for three-dimensional
models
• Possible free rotation of 3D objects

31
 Clinical Use of CT

CT in general clinical use

The use of spiral CT has significantly shortened scan

times compared to sequential CT. This is of great
advantage when examining patients who, due to the
nature of their illness, are unable to cooperate. Motion
artifacts caused by different respiratory conditions
during the acquisition are reduced considerably,
because in spiral CT the entire volume is scanned
faster and without gaps. Multiple scans due to
breathing during the acquisition are no longer
necessary. The patient dose is therefore reduced.

Advantages of spiral CT in clinical use

• Complete coverage of organs in a single respiratory

position
• Short scan times (resulting in fewer motion artifacts
and a lower contrast medium requirement)
• Additional diagnostic information due to improved
resolution (thinner slices) and 3D visualization in
routine operation
• Special cost-effective applications based on
spiral CT

32 CT Basics
CT-Angiography (CTA)

CT-Angiography (CTA) enables the display of vascular

structures aided by injections of contrast medium.
The introduction of the multislice scanner has made
it possible to display the entire vascular system with
maximum contrast enhancement in extremely short
scan times. Image post processing enables good
display of the entire vascular system. Even small
vascular exits and origins (branches) and embolisms
or dissection membranes can be displayed. The
physician can retrospectively select any projection
and generate three-dimensional images, e.g. for
surgical planning.

33
 When is a CT examination indicated? Neck Thorax
Cervical soft tissue Mediastinum
Here are several examples of CT Carotids Thorax high resolution
examinations: Thoracic vessels
Pulmonary vessels
• Head • Abdomen Heart
• Neck • Extremities
• Thorax • Spine

Head Spine
Head, general/brain Cervical spine
Orbita Thoracic spine
Sella turcica Lumbar spine
Petrous bones
Paranasal sinuses
Circle of Willis
3D cranial, facial bone

34 CT Basics
Abdomen/pelvis
Liver
CT-Arterioportography (CTAP)
Pancreas
Kidneys, biphase
Adrenal glands
Renal arteries
Abdominal vessels
Small pelvis
Vessels, pelvic/lower extremity

Extremities
Shoulder joint
Hip joint
Wrist bone
Knee joint
Foot

35
The information in this document contains general
descriptions of technical possibilities which do not
necessarily apply to each individual case. Any
performance features individually required must
therefore be stipulated upon conclusion of the relevant
agreement.

Siemens reserves the right to modify designs and

specifications without prior notice. Please contact your
local Siemens Sales Representative for the most current
information.

Original images always lose a certain amount of detail

when reproduced.

Siemens AG, Medical Solutions Siemens AG, Medical Solutions

Henkestr. 127, D-91052 Erlangen Computed Tomography
Germany Siemensstr. 1, D-91301 Forchheim
Order No. A91100-M2100-A844-1-7600
Telephone: ++49 9131 84-0 Germany Printed in Germany
www.SiemensMedical.com Telephone: ++49 9191 18-0 BKW 63844 WS 11025.