QUANTIFICATION OF PULMONARY PATHOLOGY IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS-COMPARISON BETWEEN DIGITAL CHEST TOMOSYNTHESIS AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY.

Abstract

Purpose: Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) is currently undergoing validation for potential clinical implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for DTS as a low-dose alternative to computed tomography (CT) in imaging of pulmonary pathology in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: DTS and CT were performed as part of the routine triannual follow-up in 31 CF patients. Extent of disease was quantified according to modality-specific scoring systems. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r) and Krippendorff’s alpha (α). Major findings: The median effective dose was 0.14 for DTS and 2.68 for CT. Intermodality correlation was very strong for total score and the subscores regarding bronchiectasis and bronchial wall-thickening (r = 0.82–0.91, P < 0.01). Interobserver reliability was high for total score, bronchiectasis and mucus plugging (α = 0.83–0.93) in DTS. Conclusion: Chest tomosynthesis could be a low-dose alternative to CT in quantitative estimation of structural lung disease in CF.