Which imaging modality records cross-sectional images through the body using rotating x-ray beams and detectors?

Which imaging modality records cross-sectional images through the body using rotating x-ray beams and detectors?

• A. Computed Tomography
• B. Fluoroscopy
• C. Nuclear Medicine
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (A)

Cross-sectional imaging produced by rotating X-ray beams around the patient with detectors opposite them is computed tomography. The X-ray tube and detectors spin, collecting many thin-angle projections that a computer reconstructs into axial slices. These slices can be viewed in different planes and even turned into 3D representations, providing detailed anatomy and quantitative density information. This approach is different from fluoroscopy, which shows real-time moving radiographs; nuclear medicine, which images the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals to assess function; and ultrasound, which uses sound waves rather than X-rays.

Cross-sectional imaging produced by rotating X-ray beams around the patient with detectors opposite them is computed tomography. The X-ray tube and detectors spin, collecting many thin-angle projections that a computer reconstructs into axial slices. These slices can be viewed in different planes and even turned into 3D representations, providing detailed anatomy and quantitative density information. This approach is different from fluoroscopy, which shows real-time moving radiographs; nuclear medicine, which images the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals to assess function; and ultrasound, which uses sound waves rather than X-rays.