Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam 2026 - Free CT Technologist Practice Questions and Study Guide

Windmill artifacts in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) are primarily caused by the cone beam geometry. This geometric configuration leads to an uneven distribution of X-ray data, resulting in artifacts that resemble the blades of a windmill. The nature of cone-beam CT involves using a wider beam that collects data across multiple slices simultaneously. As a result, the different angles at which data is gathered can create discrepancies, especially in areas of high attenuation or at interfaces of different materials.

When utilizing the cone beam shape, the projections can exhibit geometric distortions and data inconsistencies that contribute to the appearance of the windmill artifacts. Understanding this phenomenon helps technologists recognize and mitigate such artifacts during image acquisition by optimizing parameters and using appropriate reconstruction algorithms to improve image quality.