Visualization of small visceral arteries on abdominal CT angiography using ultra-high-resolution CT scanner

PURPOSE: To evaluate the image quality and ability to delineate the small visceral arteries of high-resolution (HR) abdominal CT angiography (CTA) using an ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (UHR CT) scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled who underwent abdominal CTA using a UHR CT scanner. The images were reconstructed with a matrix of 1024 × 1024 and 0.25 mm thickness for HR CTA and with a matrix of 512 × 512 and 0.5 mm thickness for normal resolution (NR) CTA. Maximum CT value, image quality, and delineation of the small arteries were compared between HR CTA and NR CTA. RESULTS: HR CTA showed significantly higher maximum CT value, higher image quality, and better delineation of the small arteries than did NR CTA (P < .005). CONCLUSION: HR CTA using a UHR CT scanner showed higher image quality than NR CTA and enhanced the delineation of visceral arteries.