What is one advantage of using a small reconstruction slice thickness?

Using a small reconstruction slice thickness primarily results in increased spatial resolution. This is because thinner slices can capture finer details of anatomical structures, allowing for improved visualization of small lesions, organs, and vasculature. With thinner slices, the imaging system can resolve smaller features that might be indistinguishable in thicker slices.

In the context of CT imaging, spatial resolution is critical for accurate diagnosis and assessment. As the slice thickness decreases, the system's ability to distinguish between closely spaced objects improves, thus enhancing the overall clarity and detail of the images produced.

When slice thickness is minimized, while it can also contribute to some degree of decreased image noise—particularly in certain imaging conditions—it is primarily the spatial resolution that is most notably enhanced. Therefore, the advantage associated with a small reconstruction slice thickness is best characterized by its positive impact on spatial resolution.