Abstract:
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Purpose: To assess the image quality and effectiveness of a digital radiography (DR) device by direct comparison to currently approved computed radiography (CR) technology.
Methods and Materials: Thirty patients were included in this study by sampling consecutive patients presenting to the radiology department for extremity radiographs. After informed consent was obtained, an existing Fuji CR system with integrated PACS system was used to perform the ordered exam. Next, an identical set of images was acquired using the Varian Medical Systems PaxScan 4030R system. The paired radiographs were interpreted and image quality compared by board certified radiologists in individual sessions. The existing PACS system allowed interpretation to be accomplished at the same console on the same monitors, after monitor calibration. Interpreters were not provided with information as to which images were CR and which were DR.
Results: Of the 30 patients imaged, 21 were determined to have abnormal radiographs and 9 were normal. There was 100% concordance between the two observers. There were only 3 minor differences between observers, all of which were not clinically significant, did not alter patient care, and were the result of human-error, not errors due to image quality. There were no intra-observer differences between the two sets. All images obtained on the DR system were considered diagnostic in quality. If one assumes the CR is the gold-standard, then there was 100% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.
Conclusion: The Varian Medical Systems PaxScan 4030R system offers nearly identical diagnostic image quality and effectiveness when compared to an approved CR system. DR systems offer several advantages over both conventional film-screen and CR technology. These include increased patient throughput, immediate image availability, and no need for image processing, all allowing for a decrease in time per exam. The spatial resolution for the DR system is improved, 3.94 lp/mm vs 3.33 lp/mm and offers a x-ray sensitivity equal to or greater than 400 speed film. Importantly there is also a significant potential for up to 50% dose reduction over the CR system.
McCollum MD, M,
Image Quality and Effectiveness of a Digital Radiography Device with Direct Comparison to Currently Approved Computed Radiography Technology. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3101844.html
