Which factor is directly affected by a higher pitch during computed tomography scans?

A higher pitch during computed tomography scans refers to the ratio of table movement to the width of the x-ray beam during a single rotation of the CT scanner. When the pitch is increased, the table moves further for each rotation of the x-ray tube. This rapid movement allows for faster acquisition of the required data.

One of the primary implications of increasing the pitch is the decrease in patient dose. When the pitch is higher, the radiation beam is spread over a greater area in a shorter amount of time, meaning that less radiation is delivered to any given area of the patient’s body during the scan. This is an important consideration in CT imaging, where minimizing radiation exposure while obtaining adequate image quality is a key objective.

In contrast, as pitch increases, the disadvantages include potential decreases in image quality due to a lower number of collected projections and, typically, increased scan speed, which can make it more challenging to capture images of moving structures. Therefore, the relationship between higher pitch and decreased patient dose is a significant aspect of CT imaging techniques, aimed at optimizing safety and efficiency in radiological practices.