Mediastinal abnormalities: detection with storage phosphor digital radiography

Conventional film radiography (FR) and six postprocessing algorithms of isodose storage phosphor digital radiography (SR) (0.2-mm X 10-bit pixel matrix) were compared in the evaluation of 40 mediastinal and 30 pulmonary lesions in 60 patients who underwent computed tomography of the chest. The six SR algorithms varied among each other in only one image parameter. One algorithm approximated conventional image characteristics. The other five algorithms were designed to optimize imaging of the mediastinum and tested the effects of gray-scale reversal, adjustment of optical density, a linear instead of a sigmoid gradation curve, and moderate edge enhancement of high and medium spatial frequencies. Performance was evaluated by calculating the average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) of 5,040 observations by six readers. Post-processing with high-frequency edge enhancement and density optimization for the mediastinum significantly improved performance of SR over FR in the detection of mediastinal lesions (Az = .80 +/- .02 vs .73 +/- .01, respectively). Gray-scale reversal significantly decreased performance (Az = .64 +/- .03). All SR algorithms that were postprocessed to optimize imaging of the mediastinum were significantly inferior to FR in the detection of pulmonary lesions.     

DR组织均衡对照研究

目的:对大面积非晶硅平板探测器的组织均衡软拷贝进行对照研究.方法:100位患者用数字平板探测器X线摄影系统获得后前位X线胸片,50位获得侧位X线胸片.通过后前位胸部X线照片中的结构:肺尖、心后和纵隔后肺血管、降主动脉、第六胸椎上缘等,侧位X线照片:心后肺血管、肺门、心影内的肺血管、心影上的横隔,以及第三胸椎上缘等,进行影像学评价.对组织均衡后所获影像间的显著性差异作测试.结果:对于第六胸椎上缘结构的显示,以及心后三角处肺纹理的显示上组织均衡图像更好(P＜0.05).结论:组织均衡这种宽的动态范围在穿透差的区域中可改善对比性能(如:纵隔),且能够使不同吸收特性的组织同时适当重显(如:骨、肺实质).     

Low-voltage digital selenium radiography: detection of simulated interstitial lung disease, nodules, and catheters--a phantom study

PURPOSE: To compare three tube voltages in digital selenium radiography for the detection of simulated interstitial lung disease, nodules, and catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Simulated catheters, nodules, and ground-glass, linear, miliary, and reticular patterns were superimposed over an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Digital selenium radiography was performed with different tube voltages (70, 90, and 150 kVp). Hard-copy images were generated. Detection performance of five radiologists was compared by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis involving 54,000 observations. RESULTS: The detection of ground-glass, linear, miliary, and reticular patterns over lucent lung and of nodules equal to, smaller than, and larger than 10 mm increased when 70 kVp and/or 90 kVp was used. However, only the reticular pattern was significantly better detected at lower peak voltage (P <.05). Simulated catheters and nodules over the mediastinum showed smaller areas under the ROC curve at lower peak voltage. These results were not statistically significant (P >.05). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic performance of digital selenium radiography at lower peak voltage is at least as good as that at higher peak voltage for interstitial lung disease over lucent lung. Performance is equivalent for nodules and catheters over obscured chest regions at lower peak voltages compared with that at 150 kVp. Our results implicate that the use of high-voltage technique in digital selenium radiography should be reassessed.     

Digital slot-scan charge-coupled device radiography versus AMBER and Bucky screen-film radiography: comparison of image quality in a phantom study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the image quality and performance of a chest digital radiography system and to compare this with the image quality and performance of advanced multiple-beam equalization radiography (AMBER) and Bucky screen-film radiography systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chest digital radiography system is a digital charge-coupled device (CCD) chest imaging unit that uses slot-scan technology. A contrast-detail test object was used in combination with a phantom that simulates the primary and scatter transmission for the lungs and mediastinum. Twelve phantom images were obtained with each modality (ie, CCD digital radiography and AMBER and Bucky screen-film radiography) and were judged by six observers. CCD digital radiography soft-copy reading was compared with AMBER hard-copy reading. To measure image quality, contrast-detail curves were constructed from the observer data. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: For the lung configuration, contrast-detail curves showed lower threshold depth for hard-copy images obtained with CCD digital radiography than for those obtained with Bucky screen-film radiography. For hard-copy images, the difference between contrast-detail curves for CCD digital radiography and those for Bucky screen-film radiography was statistically significant (P < .006). No significant difference was found between CCD digital radiography and AMBER for hard-copy images obtained in either the lung or mediastinum configuration. For the lung configuration, a lower threshold depth was observed for CCD digital radiography soft-copy reading than for AMBER hard-copy reading, with significantly different contrast-detail curves for CCD digital radiography soft copy and AMBER hard copy (P < .006). No significant difference was found between either system for the mediastinum configuration. CONCLUSION: Contrast-detail curves indicate that image quality for the CCD chest system provides a digital alternative to AMBER and Bucky screen-film radiography.     

Digital chest radiography with a large-area flat-panel silicon X-ray detector: clinical comparison with conventional radiography

This was a radiologists' preference study to compare a digital chest radiography system that utilizes a large-area silicon flat-panel detector with conventional radiography for visualizing anatomic regions of the chest. Conventional and digital posteroanterior (PA) and lateral chest radiographs were obtained in 115 patients. The PA and lateral image pairs were compared independently by three radiologists rating the overall appearance, 11 anatomic regions in the PA, and 9 in the lateral views. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni-Holm adjustment (p=0.05). For the PA view, the digital system performed significantly better for the overall appearance and for all anatomic regions except for the peripheral pulmonary vasculature and hilum, where no significant difference was found. For the lateral digital images, the regions trachea, costodiaphragmatic recess, and hilum were rated significantly worse. The regions retrosternal and retrocardiac lung were rated significantly better. The other regions and the overall appearance showed no significant differences. The described digital chest radiography system showed statistically superior visualization of anatomic regions for PA and an ambiguous performance for lateral images as compared with conventional radiography. After changing some image processing parameters for the lateral view, this system may be suitable for digitalization of chest radiography.     

Digital chest radiography with a large image intensifier. An ROC study with an anthropomorphic phantom

The diagnostic performance of two systems for chest radiography was studied. One system was based on a large image intensifier, the other was a conventional film-screen system. The images from the image intensifier were studied either on a digital TV screen or on 100 mm photofluorograms. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed on images of an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Low-contrast MMAP (methyl methacrylate polymer) nodules and simulated vessels were positioned over the parenchymal and the mediastinal region of the phantom. Five observers assessed the digital monitor images, photofluorograms, and conventional full-size radiograms. The results showed a significantly superior detectability for the full-size radiograms over the digital monitor images both in the parenchyma and in the mediastinum. No significant difference was found between photofluorograms and digital images.     

Detection of pulmonary edema in pigs: storage phosphor versus amorphous selenium-based flat-panel-detector radiography

PURPOSE: To compare diagnostic accuracy of soft-copy selenium-based digital radiographic images and soft-copy computed radiographic images obtained for detection of pulmonary edema in pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oleic acid was injected intraatrially into three pigs (weight, 20-25 kg) at doses of 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06 mL/kg to induce pulmonary edema. Thirty-seven sets of computed radiographic, digital radiographic, and thin-section computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained every 20-30 minutes in three pigs over 4-6 hours. Images were masked for identity, randomly sorted, and displayed on a monitor. Four radiologists rated each image for presence of parenchymal opacities by using a dichotomous scoring system in two sessions. Presence of pulmonary edema was determined with thin-section CT and a severity scale. Intra- and interobserver variations were determined with the kappa statistic and the Z test and with the Cochran Q test and the McNemar test, respectively. True-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative rates were determined. McNemar test was used to determine statistical significance of differences in detection between computed and digital radiographic images. RESULTS: There was no significant intra- or interobserver variation, except for one pair of observers during the first interpretative session with computed radiographic images (P =.016, McNemar test). Overall sensitivity (92.1%) and diagnostic accuracy (90.2%) of digital radiography were significantly higher than those of computed radiography (79.6% and 83.4%, respectively) (P <.001 for sensitivity, P =.01 for diagnostic accuracy, McNemar test). In detection of minimal and mild pulmonary edema, sensitivity of digital radiography (84%) was significantly higher than that of computed radiography (58%) (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Soft-copy digital radiographic images are superior to soft-copy computed radiographic images obtained for detection of mild pulmonary edema in pigs.     

Single exposure energy subtraction chest radiography--clinical survey on utility of bone image

The authors undertook a clinical study to determine the values and limitations of soft tissue subtracted image by dual-energy digital radiography. 573 patients were examined by dual-energy subtraction with a single exposure using computed radiography. Soft tissue subtracted image were found informative in 37 patients (6.5%) compared with non-subtraction image. It provided useful information about demonstrating calcification in pulmonary nodules, assessing the presence or absence of rib lesions, and excluding the possibility of pulmonary nodules.     

Effects of optimization and image processing in digital chest radiography: an ROC study with an anthropomorphic phantom.

A digital system for chest radiography based on a large image intensifier was compared to a conventional film-screen system. The digital system was optimized with regard to spatial and contrast resolution and dose. The images were digitally processed for contrast and edge enhancement. A simulated pneumothorax and two simulated nodules were positioned over the lungs and the mediastinum of an anthropomorphic phantom. Observer performance was evaluated with ROC analysis. Five observers assessed the processed digital images and the conventional full-size radiographs. The time spent viewing the full-size radiographs and the digital images was recorded. For the simulated pneumothorax, the results showed perfect performance for the full-size radiographs and detectability was high also for the processed digital images. No significant difference in the detectability of the simulated nodules was seen between the two imaging systems. The results for the digital images showed a significantly improved detectability for the nodules in the mediastinum as compared to a previous ROC study where no optimization and image processing was available. No significant difference in detectability was seen between the former and the present ROC study for small nodules in the lung. No difference was seen in the time spent assessing the conventional full-size radiographs and the digital images. The study indicates that processed digital images produced by a large image intensifier are equal in image quality to conventional full-size radiographs for low-contrast objects such as nodules.     

Reducing the radiation dose during excretory urography: flat-panel silicon x-ray detector versus computed radiography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine the possibilities for reducing radiation exposure in uroradiology using digital flat-panel silicon X-ray detector radiography. We compared the subjectively determined image quality of abdominal radiographs and urograms obtained on a digital flat-panel detector radiography system with those obtained on a computed radiography system. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Fifty patients who had a clinical indication for urography underwent unenhanced abdominal imaging that was alternately performed using flat-panel silicon X-ray detector radiography or computed radiography. For patients who required a second radiograph with contrast medium, the examination modality was changed to avoid exposing the patients to excess radiation. The images obtained on flat-panel X-ray detector radiography were obtained at half the radiation dose of the images obtained on computed radiography (800 speed vs 400 speed). The resulting 50 pairs of images were interpreted by four independent observers who rated the detectability of structures of bone and the efferent urinary tract relevant to diagnosis and compared the image quality. RESULTS: At half the radiation dose, digital flat-panel X-ray detector radiography provided equivalent image quality of the liver and spleen, lumbar vertebrae 2 and 5, pelvis, and psoas margin on abdominal radiographs. The image quality obtained with digital flat-panel X-ray detector radiography of the kidneys, the hollow cavities of the upper efferent urinary tract, and the urinary bladder was judged to be statistically better than those obtained with computed radiography. CONCLUSION: With half the exposure dose of computed radiography, the flat-panel X-ray detector produced urograms with an image quality equivalent to or better than computed radiography.     

A comparison of low contrast performance for amorphous Silicon/caesium iodide direct radiography with a computed radiography: A contrast detail phantom study

A range of digital image acquisition devices exists in diagnostic radiology. This study compares contrast performance of two such systems: an amorphous Silicon/caesium iodide (a-Si:CsI) based flat panel (DR) digital chest radiography system and a computed radiography (CR) system. Images of a contrast detail resolution phantom were acquired at a range of radiation doses. Three observers assessed all hardcopy images using a four-alternative forced choice observer perception technique. Contrast detail performance was calculated and low contrast performance quantified.The DR system demonstrated significantly better low contrast performance and potential dose savings of up to 75% compared to the CR system. Threshold levels of contrast detail resolution were defined and levels of under- and over-exposure, compared to the threshold level, were highlighted. Both systems were noise limited at lower exposures and latitude limited at higher exposures. The results demonstrate that the DR system should perform better than the CR system under typical clinical conditions relevant to chest radiography particularly for the detection of low contrast details such as lung metastases or pneumothoraces.     

Comparison of radiologist and CAD performance in the detection of CT-confirmed subtle pulmonary nodules on digital chest radiographs

OBJECTIVES: Detection of subtle pulmonary nodules on digital radiography is a challenging task for radiologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a newly approved computer aided detection (CAD) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sensitivity of 3 radiologists and of a CAD system for the detection of pulmonary nodules from 5 to 15 mm in size on digital chest radiography of 117 patients was compared. The reference standard was established by consensus reading of computed tomography scans by 2 experienced radiologists. Computed tomography scans and chest radiographs were performed within 4 weeks. Sixty-six pulmonary nodules from 42 patients, with a mean nodule diameter of 7.5 mm (standard deviation: 2.2 mm), were included in the statistical analysis. Seventy-five of the 117 patients did not have nodules from 5 to 15 mm of size. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-eight false-positive detections of the CAD system were found with an average of 2.5 false-positives per image. Sensitivity of the CAD system was 39.4% (95% confidence interval: 11.8%), when compared with 18.2% to 30.3% (95% confidence interval 9.3% to 11.1%) of the 3 radiologists. Substantial agreement for nodule detection ([kappa]N: 0.64-0.73) was found among the 3 radiologists, whereas only moderate agreement was found between the radiologists and the CAD performance ([kappa]N: 0.45-0.52). CONCLUSIONS: The CAD system's diagnostic sensitivity in detecting pulmonary nodules of 5 to 15 mm of size was superior to the 1 of radiologists. The CAD system may be used for assisting the radiologist in the detection of lung nodules on digital chest radiographs.     

Digital imaging and picture archiving and communication systems

Great progress has been made in digital imaging of the chest. Most studies are dealing with computed radiography. Chest radiography in the intensive care unit may, in most cases, be performed using computed radiography. However, subtle pulmonary interstitial disease can be demonstrated less confidently using computed radiography. Significantly better detection of calcified lung nodules can be obtained by using simplified single-exposure dual-energy technique that uses storage phosphor. The wide latitude of computed radiography permits images of high quality in areas other than chest radiography. Encouraging results are presented especially in the diagnostic evaluation of scoliosis and other musculoskeletal abnormalities. An important technical innovation in digital radiography is an improved method for single-exposure dual-energy digital imaging using prefiltration with gadolinium, a cassette consisting of four photostimulable phosphor plates, spatially dependent scatter and beam hardening corrections, and noise reduction algorithm. Other groups tested algorithms for enhancement of digital images that allowed significant data compression. The implementation of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) is inevitable; the question concerning PACS implementation is not why, but when. A comparison of the cost-effectiveness of PACS with conventional film archiving and communication systems shows that PACS should provide indirect savings when regarding the hidden costs of conventional systems. Much more experience will be needed before there is general agreement on the best design for the radiologist's workstation. Teleradiology should contribute to radiologic consultation for remote locations, because it improves the efficacy of management of patients in such locations.     

双能量数字减影胸片对肺内小结节检出的意义

目的探讨双能量数字减影胸片对肺内小结节检出的意义。方法27例病理证实恶性肿瘤伴肺内转移的患者,分别行增强CT扫描、双能量数字减影胸片与常规DR胸片。使用柯达质量控制检测仪比较双能量数字减影DR与常规DR胸片的图像质量。再以CT扫描结果为金标准,由2位高年资放射科医师采用双盲法对双能量数字减影胸片与常规DR胸片进行分析,比较两者对肺内转移瘤的检出有无显著差异。结果双能量数字减影DR与常规DR图像在噪声上(均匀度)无差异,但清晰度稍差。双能量数字化减影的胸片对肺内小结节的检出率为91.2%;而常规DR胸片对肺转移瘤的检出率为85.0%,两者之间有显著差异(P<0.05)。结论双能量数字减影技术可减少肺野内骨骼及其它钙化影响,对肺内结节的检出能力高于常规DR胸片。     

Digital storage phosphor imaging versus conventional film radiography in CT-documented chest disease

The advantages of imaging the chest with digital storage phosphor radiography (SR) may be nullified by its spatial resolution, which is lower than that of conventional film radiography (FR). To test the reader detection performance with the two modalities under clinical conditions, the authors compared 140-kVp isoexposure SR (system resolution: 0.2 mm, 10 bits) and FR images of a variety of chest abnormalities proved by computed tomography (CT) (157 patients, 244 abnormalities, 5,652 observations, six readers). In all tests, SR was as good as or better than FR (P less than .05). In overall detection, indicated by the average area of receiver operating characteristics, SR and FR were equivalent. SR was superior for mediastinal lesions and for pulmonary opacities greater than 2 cm in diameter. For all other types of pulmonary lesions and pleural abnormalities, SR and FR were equivalent. Currently available commercial SR systems can replace film radiographic systems in the detection of a wide variety of chest lesions. SR is likely to enable better visualization than FR in the detection of mediastinal and large pulmonary abnormalities.     

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary devices on chest radiographs: digital vs analog radiographs

We compared digital and analog radiographs of the chest for use in detecting and evaluating a variety of cardiopulmonary devices in 40 patients. The devices included 23 endotracheal tubes, 21 Swan-Ganz catheters, 14 central venous pressure catheters, 11 prosthetic valves, 10 chest tubes, six pacemaker wires, and five intraaortic balloon pumps. Each patient had at least one device, with a maximum of five devices (average, 2.3). Forty digital/analog film pairs were compared by five radiologists, who assigned confidence levels for various judgments about each device. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the identification of the devices except for prosthetic valves (all valves were detected on digital radiographs, compared with 62% on analog radiographs). The devices were detected on 96% of the digital radiographs and 90% of the analog radiographs. Although digital and analog radiographs were comparable for detection of most devices, the digital radiographs allowed greater confidence in the identification of the devices and in the identification of the tip and course of Swan-Ganz and central venous pressure catheters.     

X-Ray findings of the complications of central venous catheters (author's transl)]

The increasing use of central venous catheters requires knowledge of possible hazards. Complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, hematomas in the chest wall or mediastinum and pulmonary emboli caused by the catheter are easily seen on plain chest films. Cardiac tamponade, perforation of vessels, air emboli and thrombosis have to be considered as a possible cause in case of sudden deterioration of a patient.     

Evaluation of the role of chest computed tomography in the management of trauma patients

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the management of trauma patients is evolving. The present study reviews the chest radiographic and chest CT findings in a group of trauma patients to determine the clinical impact of findings noted exclusively on chest CT.Fifty-five trauma patients examined with chest radiography and chest CT and whose clinical charts were available for review were retrospectively identified. There were 46 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 39 years. The presence (and size) of pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and fractures was tabulated for the chest radiographs and CT scans. The presence of mediastinal widening on chest radiographs and all mediastinal findings on CT were noted. The results of aortography, when applicable, were correlated. The clinical charts were reviewed to assess the impact of CT findings on patient management.Pneumothorax (P<0.05), hemothorax (P<0.05), pulmonary contusions, and fractures were noted more frequently on chest CT than on chest radiography. However, clinical management was affected in only three (5%) of these patients. Chest CT findings related to the mediastinum affected patient management in 13 (24%) patients. CT obviated the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with mediastinal widening on chest radiographs. Six other patients had aortography, four for mediastinal hematoma with a normal-appearing aorta on contrast medium-enhanced CT, and two for mediastinal hematoma and aortic injury on CT.Despite detection of significantly more pneumothoraces and hemothoraces on chest CT, clinical management was affected in only a small minority (5%) of cases. CT did prove useful in evaluating the mediastinum, obviating the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with a widened mediastinum on chest radiography and accurately diagnosing the presence and site of aortic injury in the two patients with that diagnosis.     

2D time of flight stereoscopic MR angiography of pulmonary vessels]

Two-dimensional (2D) time-of-flight (TOF) stereoscopic MR angiographies (MRA) of the pulmonary vessels were obtained from 15 healthy volunteers and five patients with pulmonary cancer in the mediastinum and pulmonary hilum. Fifteen healthy volunteers were examined using FLASH (Fast Low Angle Shot) with breath holding (40/8/40, TR/TE/flip angle). Except for the left superior pulmonary vein, pulmonary vessels in the mediastinum and hilum were well defined on stereoscopic MRA images. Although it was difficult to define the pulmonary arteries in the peripheral zone, intersegmental veins were easily defined with this method. In five cases of pulmonary cancer that were confirmed to show definite tumor involvement of the pulmonary vessels in the mediastinum and hilum by enhanced CT and MRI (SE method), irregular narrowing and interruption of the vessels were shown on MRA. In conclusion, 2D TOF stereoscopic MRA is considered a noninvasive, effective method for evaluation of the morphology of pulmonary vessels adjacent to the tumor in the mediastinum and hilum.     

数字化体层融合在肺结节探查中的初步应用

目的 探讨数字化体层融合在肺结节探查中的应用价值.方法 30例疑有肺内结节的患者,均先后行胸部X线平片、体层融合和CT检查.将上述影像资料传至后处理工作站,由2名具有3年以上胸部影像诊断经验的医师分别进行双盲法阅片,观察每例患者肺部结节的数量,每个肺结节的部位、大小.然后,2名阅片者再共同阅片,使单独阅片不一致的结果得到统一.以CT结果作为标准,分别计算胸部X线平片和体层融合探查肺结节的敏感性.采用配对四格表资料的X~2检验比较两者的差异性.结果 30例患者,胸部X线平片检查9例阴性,21例阳性,共发现肺结节40个.体层融合检查4例阴性,26例阳性,共发现肺结节89个.CT检查3例阴性,27例阳性,共发现肺结节102个.以CT作为标准对照,胸部X线平片探查肺结节的敏感性为27.4%(28/102),体层融合的敏感性为87.2%(89/102),差异有统计学意义(X~2=4.35,P<0.05).结论 数字化体层融合可显著提高肺结节探查的敏感性,可以作为胸部X线平片良好和必要的补充.