How is pixel size calculated in CT scans?

Pixel size in CT scans is determined by the field of view (FOV) and the image matrix. The pixel size can be calculated using the formula:

Pixel Size = FOV / Matrix

In this context, the field of view represents the physical area that the CT scanner is able to image, while the image matrix refers to the number of pixels in each dimension (for example, a 512 x 512 matrix means there are 512 pixels along the width and 512 along the height). By dividing the FOV by the matrix dimensions, you can determine the size of each pixel in the images produced.

This calculation is crucial because smaller pixel sizes can lead to improved spatial resolution in the images, which allows for better visualization of anatomical details and pathology. Therefore, this relationship illustrates how both FOV and matrix contribute to the pixel dimensions in CT imaging.