An important feature distinguishing multidetector CT from single-slice helical CT is the increased speed of scanning that permits routine use of very thin collimation. With a breath-held acquisition, volumetric data sets are obtained that may be used to create high-quality multiplanar reformations. Curved planar reformations are two-dimensional displays that may be used to trace the course of an anatomic structure through the entire data set. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to highlight the unique display of diagnostic information by curved planar reformations of the pancreas, biliary tract, and peripancreatic vasculature in patients scanned with multidetector CT.
