What effect does increasing the window width have on CT imaging?

Increasing the window width in CT imaging allows for a broader range of CT numbers to be displayed, which enhances the visibility of various structures within the image. The window width determines the range of Hounsfield units (CT numbers) assigned to grayscale values on the image; therefore, a wider window means that more variation in tissue densities can be represented. This means that both low and high-density structures can be visualized simultaneously, which can be particularly useful when assessing areas with a heterogeneous composition, such as in evaluating tumors or complex anatomy.

When the window width is set wider, it is essentially expanding the scale over which the imaging data is displayed, allowing for better differentiation between different tissues based on their densities. This is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning in medical imaging.