Multiplanar reconstruction or reformatting is a post-processing technique to create new images from a stack of images in planes other than that of the original stack.
The use of thin slices increases the spatial resolution in the scan axis direction, allowing a high spatial resolution in all planes. Isotropic resolution results in high quality multiplanar and 3D reconstructions which are of particular benefit in CT angiography and virtual colonoscopy studies.

(MIP) CT Angiography images can be processed by maximum intensity projection to interactively viewing volumes of data, where the CT number of each pixel is given by the minimum CT number through the volume. The MIP connects the high intensity dots of the blood vessels in three dimensions, providing an angiogram that can be viewed from any projection. Each point in the MIP represents the highest intensity experienced in that location on any partition within the imaging volume. For complete interpretation the base slices should also be reviewed individually and with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) software. The MIP can then be displayed in a Cine format or filmed as multiple images acquired from different projections.

Digital images can be manipulated for evaluation in various ways. Post-processing includes: Subtraction, addition, rotation, inversion, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), etc.
Subtraction is particularly useful in contrast enhanced examinations. The pre contrast images are subtracted from the images after an injection of contrast agents (sometimes also called dye) for better tumor detection. See also Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography, Digital Subtraction Angiography and Active Zone.

Reconstruction is the mathematical process by which the displayed image is produced from the raw data.
Used equipment and data processing methods to reconstruct CT images:
See also Zoom Reconstruction, Reconstruction Matrix and Multiplanar Reconstruction.