In CT physics, the 'partial volume effect' leads to a voxel displaying an averaged attenuation of two different tissues when both are included within the same voxel. Which CT parameter change MOST effectively reduces the partial volume effect?
- A Increasing the kVp
- B Reducing slice thickness (thinner slices) ✓
- C Increasing the mAs
- D Using a soft reconstruction kernel
Correct answer: B. Reducing slice thickness (thinner slices)
Explanation
The partial volume effect occurs when a single voxel encompasses tissues of different densities, producing an averaged HU. Reducing slice thickness decreases voxel volume, ensuring each voxel samples a smaller tissue volume and reducing the probability of multi-tissue averaging. Increasing kVp affects tissue contrast (useful for calcification/contrast detection). Increasing mAs improves SNR. A soft kernel smooths noise but does not address partial volume averaging.
Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.
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