Objective: Aim of the study was to compare image quality of spiral (helical) versus conventional (sequential) routine brain scans obtained on a spiral CT scanner of the latest generation.
Materials and methods: In a prospective study 60 patients scheduled for cranial CT were examined in spiral (27 cases) or conventional technique (33 cases) after randomization. Two blinded observers rated artifacts, gray--white-matter contrast and overall image quality.
Results: No significant differences in artifacts were detected. Concerning gray--white-matter contrast and overall image quality, none or small differences in favour of conventional scans were found depending on the observer.
Conclusion: On a modern scanner image quality of spiral brain scans in adults is nowadays comparable to or only slightly less than that of conventional scans. On such a machine, spiral mode can be recommended if, for example, rapid scanning or high-quality secondary reconstructions are needed.