In multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), how is slice thickness determined?

In multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), slice thickness is effectively determined by the number of detectors activated and the collimation settings used during the scanning process. When the scanner is configured, the physician or technologist can adjust the parameters that control how many detectors are turned on and how wide each detector's collimation is. This results in varying the width of the slices obtained during an image acquisition cycle.

For instance, by using a smaller collimation width (essentially narrowing the beam), thinner slices can be acquired. Alternatively, if more detectors are used simultaneously, this allows for thicker slices to be captured. The ability to manipulate these factors provides flexibility in imaging, enabling the capture of both thin and thick slices based on clinical requirements.

Adjusting the image reconstruction algorithm, while important for enhancing image quality and reducing artifacts, does not directly change the physical slice thickness captured during the scan. Likewise, modifying radiation dose influences image quality and patient safety but does not inherently alter the slice thickness. Changing the patient’s position could affect the area being scanned or the angle of incidence but does not alter how slice thickness is determined in MDCT.