What does the term 'field of view' (FOV) refer to in CT?

The term 'field of view' (FOV) in computed tomography (CT) specifically refers to the size of the imaging area. This encompasses the dimensions of the scanned area that will be represented in the resulting images. A larger FOV allows for a broader area of the anatomy to be captured, which can be essential in certain diagnostic situations where comprehensive visualization is required. Conversely, a smaller FOV can yield higher resolution images of specific structures within the chosen area, but it limits the overall area covered.

Understanding FOV is crucial because it directly influences the quality of the images produced and the diagnostic information available to the radiologist. Adjusting the FOV can help to better suit the patient's specific imaging needs, optimize image quality, and enhance the diagnostic utility of the scans.