The physical world of computed tomography

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging method that allows the study of
all structures and systems in the human body, allowing the production of highly detailed images. CT is based on a mathematical model developed by Johann Radon in 1917. The aim of the article is to present the physical principles of CT. A documentary method has been used. Literary sources have been explored, explaining the principle of image acquisition and the improvement of CT devices. Formation of the diagnostic image in CT occurs in three phases. The first is the scanning of the object, the second is the computer reconstruction and the third is the visualization of the image on the screen. Since 1971, when mass production of CT equipment began, there has been continuous improvement - increasing the number of detectors, movement of the apparatus, etc. Despite the patient's radial load in a CT study, the ability to distinguish structures with similar density makes it an indispensable diagnostic method.