What section width should be used for CTA of the renal arteries?

When performing a CT angiography (CTA) of the renal arteries, selecting the appropriate section width is crucial for obtaining high-quality images that accurately depict the arteries' anatomy. A section width of 1.25 mm or less is ideal because it provides a better resolution, helping to ensure that even small details within the renal arteries can be visualized clearly.

Using a smaller section width enhances the ability to differentiate between structures and reduces partial volume averaging, which could obscure smaller vessels or lesions. This level of detail is particularly important in vascular imaging, where precision in the depiction of the lumen of the arteries can impact diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.

Choosing a wider section width, while still possible, may lead to a compromise in image resolution, which is not acceptable when assessing for conditions like stenosis or aneurysms in the renal arteries. Thus, the optimal choice is indeed a section width of 1.25 mm or less, allowing for high-quality images necessary for accurate evaluation.