P041] Upgrading the regular X-ray radio-graphic units with tomosynthesis

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the work. Implementation of tomosynthesis on standard X-ray equipment to accelerate its introduction into clinical practice under limited financial resources. Methods Cabin fluorograph, X-ray unit with 2 workplaces and remote tilting table with analog tomography modes were used in the work. 5 kW X-ray unit from C-arch on mobile platform was installed on the fluorograph. Instead of fluorographic chamber a dynamic digital receiver with 43 × 60 cm work field was installed on the cabin of the fluorograph. The X-ray units were equipped with high-frequency pulse-fluoro mode feeding device and dynamic digital receiver with 43 × 43 cm work field. Tomosynthesis modes with ±20° tomography angle were used in the studies. Exposure time was 4–6 s. Chest test phantom with X-ray target was studied. Results 200–400 slices of study object were received in tomosynthesis mode. Resolution in image plane amounted to 2.1 × 1.6 lp/mm and the effective thickness of tomographic slices was 2–8 mm. The total exposure in chest tomosynthesis did not exceed 20.0 mAs that is 3–6 times more than with the standard chest radiography and 5–10 times less than with the standard computer tomography. According to experts, the obtained chest phantom slices presented details that are poorly visible on X-ray images. Tomosynthesis mode compared to X-ray enabled to measure more accurately the geometric dimensions of the studied objects, as well as to assess the relative density of tissue in each slice. The probability increased of receiving correct diagnosis without referring the patient to CT or MRI study. Conclusions Using standard X-ray equipment tilting devices allows reducing by not less than 30% the expenses connected with introduction into clinical practice of tomosynthesis, which substantially expands the possibilities of roentgen diagnostics.