New Developments in Computed Tomography Technology and Their Impact on Patient Protection

X ray computed tomography (CT) has seen remarkable developments over the last three decades. Both methodological advances, such as the introduction of spiral CT scanning, and technological advances, such as the introduction of multi-row detectors, have led to impressive increases in performance. Whole body scans in just a few seconds with submillimetre spatial resolution are possible today. In addition, cardiac imaging at very high temporal resolution is routinely performed, offering motion-free diagnosis of the coronary artery tree. As a consequence, the number of CT applications has increased tremendously and the benefit for the patient has also increased. As a direct consequence, the cumulative exposure to the population increased. The latter figure is not necessarily relevant, as only patients are exposed when a relevant indication is given but not the general public. We must, therefore, look at the dose to the patient per examination. Fortunately, the technological developments of the past have not only provided improved diagnostic capabilities but also ways of limiting or reducing patient dose significantly