Optimal Imaging Specifications by Anatomy

Modality Slice Thickness Phase
CARDIAC SURGERY
Heart CT 1.0 mm CTA [optimized for visualizing both ventricles]
MR 1.5 mm MRA [ideally Ablavar, but can use either Gadavist or Magnevist MRA as well]
NEUROSURGERY
Brain CT ≤ 1.0 mm Sag vol. T1 MPRAGE/SPGR
Arteries MR ≤ 1.0 mm MRA
Veins MR ≤ 1.0 mm Venogram post contrast/SPGR
Skull CT 0.7 mm
MR ≤ 1.0 mm T1 MPRAGE Volumetric
ONCOLOGY
Bone CT ≤ 0.7 mm
Tumor/Mass CT ≤ 1.0 mm Fluid T2 Post Contrast
Muscle CT ≤ 1.0 mm T2 MPD
Nerve CT ≤ 0.7 mm Volumetric T2 Space FIESTA
OPTHALMOLOGY
Eye MR ≤ 2.0 mm T1 weighted and T2 Space
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Skull CT ≤ 0.7 mm
Tumor/Mass CT ≤ 1.0 mm Post contrast
MR ≤ 1.0 mm T1 Volumetric post contrast
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Bone CT ≤ 1.0 mm
Vertebral Discs CT or MR ≤ 1.0 mm T2 weighted
Cartilage MR ≤ 1.0 mm 3D Medic, Sag 3D space
Ligaments MR ≤ 1.0 mm Sag 3D space
Muscle MR ≤ 1.0 mm Sag 3D space
Vasculature MR ≤ 1.0 mm MRA and post contrast volumetric isotropic
PLASTIC SURGERY
Skull CT ≤ 1.0 mm
Nerves CT ≤ 0.7 mm Volumetric T2 Space FIESTA
SURGERY
Organ CT ≤ 1.0 mm Fluid T2 Post Contrast
Tumor/Neuroblastoma CT ≤ 1.0 mm Fluid T2 Post Contrast
Vasculature MR ≤ 1.0 mm MRA and post contrast volumetric isotropic
Cartilage MR ≤ 1.0 mm Medic Sag 3D space
Bone CT ≤ 0.7 mm