Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for image quality in the detection of solitary pulmonary nodules on high resolution paper prints versus dry laser film

Along with the development of digital X-ray imaging technology,a new,economical and practical paper-based output system gradually emerged.To reduce cost,more and more radiologic institutions began to change from film copies to lower-priced paper prints for documenting radiologic findings.1 Therefore,laser paper printers are frequently used as an alternative to duplicating film though the use of printed images is not yet widespread.The aim of this study was to compare the practical value of high-resolution paper printer with dry film copies for detecting small solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs).METHODSClinical dataSixty cases (28 cases of SPN,others were negative) of patients for thoracic plain CT scans were deliberately selected by 2 senior doctors in consensus via workstation or picture archiving and communication system (PACS) regarded as a gold standard,and all nodules were confirmed by surgery or clinical follow-up.The diameters of nodules were in the range of 3-20 mm.