An in vitro comparison of computed tomography, xeroradiography, and radiography in the detection of soft-tissue foreign bodies.

Computed tomography (CT), xeroradiography, and radiography were compared in vitro to assess the relative value of each in detecting soft-tissue foreign bodies. Results indicate that CT may prove useful.     

Soft tissue xeroradiography.

Xeroradiography of soft tissue lesions, both malignant and benign, has been performed on 121 patients, 79 of whom having also undergone conventional film radiography. In 72 cases (59%), the diagnosis was proved by surgery and histological examination. Xeroradiography was found to be more effective in representing soft tissues than film radiography in 63 cases (80%) and equally effective in 16 cases (20%). Film radiography has never given a better representation of soft structures. The main xeroradiographic aspects of soft tissue lesions are reviewed. A diagnosis of the nature of the lesions on the basis of the extraosseous xeroradiographic picture is deemed possible only for lipomas. In the remaining cases, xeroradiography may offer useful information as regards size, shape and anatomic relationships of lesions but does not allow univocal diagnosis of their nature. Advantages and drawbacks of this technique are discussed, with emphasis on radiation dosage. It is assumed that xeroradiography may prove to be a helpful second-line examination in patients with soft tissue masses or swelling. It may also offer a simple method for follow-up in tumors of soft tissues having undergone conservative treatment.     

Application of xeroradiography for pneumencephalography

Summary The feasibility of xerotomography with pneumencephalography is demonstrated. One of the advantages of a xerotomogram is that it reduces the lack of sharpness caused by tomography. The wide recording latitude of a xerotomogram makes a more detailed evaluation of the bone structure and the outlines of the soft tissue possible when these are contrasted be means of air. The characteristic edge effect of a xerogram also facilitates better detection of the small structures which are less well discerible on a film tomogram.Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Enthesopathies. Radiography and xeroradiography compared

The term "enthesis" designates the sites of tendon, ligament and articular capsule insertion to bone. Entheses are fundamental to the cybernetic regulation and correlation of postural and motion functions in the body. They also hold a key position in the locomotor system diseases. "Enthesopathy" is a disease occurring at these sites (primary enthesopathy), which can occur alone or together with different disorders, including inflammatory, degenerative, metabolic and traumatic conditions (secondary enthesopathy). Enthesopathy may lead to articular and non-articular manifestations: common sites of involvement include the spine and pelvis, femoral trochanter, humeral tuberosity, patella, olecranon and calcaneus. In acute enthesopathy, all the signs of acute inflammation may be present. In subacute or chronic forms, pain and tenderness localized in the entheses are found. Radiographic patterns include bone erosion, hyperostosis (enthesophytes), bone fragmentation and crystal deposits.     

Breast xeroradiography (author's transl)]

Breast xeroradiography is a new radiological technique based upon the electrostatic and not the photographic properties of silver bromide. We have used it particularly with reference to breast disorders in order to compare it to traditional procedures and to seek the best conditions to obtain the most informative picture by comparing the radiation emitted by a tungsten anode with the radiation emitted by a molybdenum anode with molybdenum or aluminium filtration. We concluded the xeroradiography was of value in breast problems in the following instances: 1. For certain types of microcalcification. 2. For the precise study of the relation of the breast to the chest wall. 3. For breast with a uniform high density on conventional films (young organ, fibro-glandular hyperplasia, after high-dosage irradiation). 4. In the study of deep seated carcinomas or those in the sub-mammary fold. 5. In studying the axilla where the ribs, muscles and nodes are seen together on the same film. Comparative study of xeroradiography using either a tungsten or molybdenum anode was markedly in favour of the latter under all the circumstances mentioned above.     

Soft tissue xeroradiography of the shoulder joint.

Soft tissue xeroradiography of the shoulder joint has been compared with a film technique arrived at previously. The xerox plates gave a lower radiation dose to the patient without loss of information. The film technique requires a tungsten target tube with an extra thin glass window (=0.5 mm Al), while the xerox technique may be used with standard tubes.     

Imaging factors for xeroradiography of the extremities.

A biological test object has been used to determine optimum imaging factors for xeroradiography of the extremities. Three observers independently demonstrated a clear preference for positive-mode imaging.     

Radiation exposure to the patient in xeroradiography.

The paper presents measurements of the radiation exposure required in xeroradiography of the breast and of the extremities. The nature of the radiation hazard and the most appropriate quantity by which to assess it are discussed, and it is shown that for a number of radiological procedures xeroradiographs can be taken for about the same radiation exposure to the patient as that required by conventional film techniques.