In CT imaging, what does an increase in SFOV typically correspond to?

An increase in the Scan Field of View (SFOV) in CT imaging primarily corresponds to decreased dose uniformity. When the SFOV is expanded, the area of tissue being imaged grows, which can sometimes lead to variations in how radiation is distributed across the field being scanned. This disparity can result from the geometry of the X-ray tube and the detector arrangement, making some areas receive higher doses than others, leading to decreased dose uniformity.

In contrast, higher resolution images are generally associated with smaller SFOV settings, which focus on a particular area and gather more detailed data. Similarly, reduced patient exposure is usually achieved by optimizing other parameters rather than simply increasing the SFOV. Greater slice thickness tends to apply to the overall imaging settings rather than being a direct effect of changing the SFOV. Therefore, understanding the implications of adjusting the SFOV is crucial for managing patient safety and image quality in CT imaging.