La pelvimétrie volumique en scanographie hélicoïdale multibarrettes

The authors describe a new technique of CT pelvimetry, using multi detector CT. This protocol is able to provide an anatomic view of the bony pelvis as well as classical measurements for pelvimetry. The acquisition is made using low technical parameters allowing the radiation dose to remain similar to that of conventional CT. Helical acquisition with thin slices and interleaved reconstruction provides adequate material for Volume Rendering reconstruction. Presets of the software may give readily available images within seconds, saving time for the radiologist. Although this technique might be performed using single slice helical CT, multi detector CT makes it faster and more accurate as the acquisition time is shorter. Final images are more easily understood by obstetricians and midwives, leading to a better understanding of dystocias. This anatomical information is obviously superior to that of conventional CT. Because it is simple to perform, has no medical time cost for the radiologist if a Volume Rendering software is available, and does not require additional radiation, we believe that this technique should replace conventional CT or conventional pelvimetry.