Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of antiscatter grid use on tomosynthesis image quality. We performed an observer study that rated the image quality of digital tomosynthesis scout radiographs and slice images of a Leeds TO.20 contrast‐detail test object embedded in acrylic with and without a grid. We considered 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm of acrylic to represent the wide range of patient thicknesses encountered in pediatric imaging. We also acquired and rated images without a grid at an increased patient dose. The readers counted the total number of visible details in each image as a measure of relative image quality. We observed that the antiscatter grid improves tomosynthesis image quality compared to the grid‐out case, which received image quality scores similar to grid‐in radiography. Our results suggest that, in order to achieve the best image quality in exchange for the increase in patient dose, it may often be appropriate to include an antiscatter grid for pediatric tomosynthesis imaging, particularly if the patient thickness is greater than 10 cm.PACS number: 87.57.‐s
Highlights
The volumetric information and high diagnostic quality of computed tomography (CT) have led to a continuous increase in the popularity of CT in diagnostic imaging
A recent study of diagnostic imaging trends observed that the frequency of CT use is increasing at a rate of 10% per year in the United States, with rapid increases in frequency occurring in the pediatric population.[1]. Because CT is a relatively high-dose imaging modality, its increasing popularity as a diagnostic tool in pediatrics is a cause for concern because the small size, rapidly dividing tissues, and long life expectancy of children at the time of exposure make them more sensitive to the damaging effects of ionizing radiation than adults.[2]. As such, it is important for us to continuously strive to keep patient doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)
Digital tomosynthesis (DT) can be significantly lower than CT for a number of diagnostic imaging applications.[7,8,9,10,11] Many recent studies into DT image quality have focused on chest and breast imaging in adults.[6]. Because of the relatively high diagnostic image quality and significantly reduced dose compared to CT, we feel that DT imaging may be well-suited to some applications in pediatric diagnostic imaging
Summary
The volumetric information and high diagnostic quality of computed tomography (CT) have led to a continuous increase in the popularity of CT in diagnostic imaging. Antiscatter grids are placed between the patient and detector surface They improve the contrast of the image by preferentially absorbing scattered photons, which reduces the amount of scattered radiation that reaches the detector. Because the presence of the grid attenuates primary photons, an increase in patient dose is generally required in order to maintain sufficient exposure to the detector This increase in detector exposure was important in screenfilm radiography in order to achieve the appropriate optical density of the film. Grids are commonly used to remove scatter in flat-panel digital imaging as well, as they can improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)(13) and reduce the image cupping effect that arises from the variation in scatter across the field of view
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
