What is the most effective method to overcome partial volume artifacts in CT imaging?

The most effective method to overcome partial volume artifacts in CT imaging is implementing thinner slices during scanning. Partial volume artifacts occur when different tissues or materials are not distinguished at the voxel level due to the limited spatial resolution of the scan. Thinner slices reduce the voxel size, allowing for better differentiation between adjacent structures or materials that may have different densities. This is especially important in areas where sharp transitions in tissue types occur, such as around organs or tumors.

Employing thicker slices can exacerbate the problem, as it can average out image data from multiple adjacent structures, leading to less clear images. Higher radiation doses are not an appropriate solution, as increasing the dose poses unnecessary risks to the patient without effectively addressing the artifacts. Enlarging the field of view might encompass more structures but does not specifically improve the resolution per voxel and therefore does not mitigate the partial volume effect effectively.