The aim of this review was to identify publications relating to the use of spiral and electron beam computed tomography (CT), in order to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of latest generation CT devices. The Fineberg evaluative framework was used, with publications sought for all clinical applications at the levels of health economics, patient outcome and therapeutic impact. For diagnostic impact and diagnostic performance, specific clinical uses were selected: the investigation of liver lesions using spiral CT (SCT); the investigation of pulmonary embolism (PE) using SCT; and the diagnosis and prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD) using electron beam CT (EBCT).