Computed Radiography Research Articles

Comparative Test of the Effect of X-Ray Tube Current Analysis and Exposure Time on CR (Computed Radiography) Image Quality

The medical image system in the form of digital examination results using Computed Radiography (CR) needs to be analyzed, this can be done by knowing the quality of the image contrast resolution and the quality of its spatial resolution. This study conducted a comparative test between two methods of analyzing contrast resolution of medical images. Image quality on Computed Radiography can be determined using contrast resolution analysis, namely calculating the CNR value and PSNR value. The study was carried out using a phantom to represent the density of the bone. The voltages used are 50 kV, 60 kV, 70 kV and 81 kV, respectively. With each voltage, the tube current and exposure time (mAs) were varied 1.6 mAs, 2 mAs, 4 mAs, 8 mAs, 16 mAs, and 32 mAs. The higher the CNR value obtained, the better the image quality. While the PSNR value to get the optimal quality of medical image contrast, the current-time variation of 4 mAs and 16 mAs must be used. Due to the time-current variation, a high PSNR value is obtained, which indicates that the noise of the medical image is getting smaller so that a good contrast quality of the medical image is obtained. Both of these methods can be used to test the suitability of X-ray device, especially for quality control of medical images

Optimization of image quality and dose in adult and pediatric chest radiography via Monte Carlo simulation and experimental methods

Optimization in radiography aims to achieve adequate image quality to enable diagnosis by adjusting the dose to the patient. The figure of merit (FOM) is a well-known optimization method that balances image quality (IQ) and Dose. However, different authors use distinct definitions. This work aims to compare several FOM definitions to determine the most adequate for chest radiography optimization via Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Moreover, this study aims to perform a systematic study, evaluating the influence of tube potential, additional filtration, detector technologies, antiscatter grids, and phantom thickness on FOM. The dose was evaluated by the mean absorbed dose (MAD), the entrance skin dose (ESD), and the effective dose (E). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were the IQ indexes. FOM was calculated as IQ²/Dose. Two types of antiscatter grids were simulated. One grid had cotton fiber as an interspace material, and the other grid had aluminum. The simulated detectors were composed of CsI and a-Se, used in digital radiography (DR), and BaFBr, used in computed radiography (CR). The results showed that tube potentials close to 120 kV optimized the SNR for all cases of phantom thickness, dosimetric quantities, and additional filtrations. On the other hand, the optimum tube potentials for CNR are dependent on these parameters. It was shown that optimizing the CNR provides better overall image quality. Additionally, MAD and E are suitable for optimization studies based on FOM. Additional filtration showed a better dose reduction, with 1 mm Cu having the best performance. Considering both optimization and clinical applicability, additional filters of 0.2 mm Cu + 2 mm Al are indicated. The optimum tube potentials are similar for all antiscatter girds evaluated. When different detectors are applied, the one with a higher effective atomic number provides larger FOM values and optimum tube potential. Experimental validation was performed only with the CR detector due to limitations in the detection technologies available. The dependency of FOM on the tube potential was slightly different between the experimental and MC simulation cases; however, there was an intersection between the optimum tube potential range for both cases. The results in this study yielded a general overview of optimization, analyzing several parameters, providing an improvement in other optimization studies that were limited by either one FOM definition or experimental factors such as one detector and/or one antiscatter grid configuration.

Perbandingan Kualitas Citra Radiograf Kepala Menggunakan Grid dan Tanpa Grid pada Computed Radiografi

One factor that plays an important role in the quality of radiodiagnostic examination results is radiographic contrast. When examining thick objects, radiographic contrast will decrease as a result of the large amount of scattered radiation originating from the object and reaching the film. To obtain optimal radiographic contrast on thick objects such as the head, it can be done in various ways, including using a grid. The grid is a tool that functions to absorb scattered radiation but can still transmit primary radiation. Examination of the head is done to get the head radiograph and to determine any abnormalities or diseases of the head. This examination was performed using the grid and without grid to compare the better results of radiographs. Radiographs results were obtained using processing film, Computed Radiography (CR). This research used descriptive study conducted at Hospital Tk. II Pelamonia Makassar on January 2020. Based on the results of the research which conducted for examination of the head using grid and without grid on CR cassette obtained that the result of radiograph examination of the head using a grid was better.

Characterization of digital systems used in medical X-ray imaging

The physical characteristics of two computed radiography (CR) systems, Carestream EHR-M3 and Carestream GP-2 (used in mammography and general radiography, respectively), were assessed at the standard beam conditions RQA-M2 and RQA-5, in the ranges of 9.5–800 μGy and 2.5–70 μGy, respectively. Objective criteria such as response function, modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were employed for this evaluation. A careful image system noise analysis through component decomposition was performed in order to determine the quantum limited exposure range for each system. Both CR systems showed a logarithmic response in the tested air kerma range (R2 > 0.99). Spatial frequencies for 50% and 10% MTF were 2.0 mm−1 and 4.9 mm−1 for EHR-M3 mammography system and 1.1 mm−1 and 3.5 mm−1 for general radiography system GP-2. The mammography system EHR-M3 was quantum limited for the entire air kerma range evaluated, while GP-2 general radiography system was quantum noise limited for a range of 2.5–30 μGy. NNPS increased as kerma decreased for both systems. DQE increased with decreasing kerma for both systems. A quantitative technical characterization of digital systems was achieved for a variety of air kerma values, in the mammography and general radiography energy ranges.

ANALYSIS OF THE SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO IN USE OF 15% KVP RULE METHOD IN THE RADIOGRAPHY EXAMINATION SUPINE AP CHEST

The exposure factor is one of the important parameters in optimizing the radiographic examination. This study aimed to analyze the value of the Signal To Noise Ratio (SNR) against the use of the 15% kV rule method in the examination of Chest AP Supine. Descriptive quantitative research method conducted in the laboratory of the Department of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health, Jakarta 2, using computer radiography, X-rays, piranha radiation detectors, and anthropomorphic phantoms, with statistical analysis of the Pearson test to determine the level of relationship between SNR and Exposure Index (EI). Against the 15% kV rule method, then the one-way ANOVA test to determine the effect of the 15% method on changes in value. The results of the Pearson test obtained a p-value of 0.820 with a strong relationship between SNR and EI against the 15% kV method. Therefore, using an exposure factor of 15% kV rule method makes it possible to control the SNR and EI values. The one way ANOVA test has a p-value of 0.943, so there is no significant difference in the SNR value to changes in the exposure factor with the 15% kV rule method so that the optimization of the exposure factor with the 15% kV rule method can reduce the radiation dose while maintaining the image quality radiographic

Collimation and Exposure Parameter Influence Image Quality and Potential Radiation Dose to the Eye Lens of Personnel in Computed Radiography of the Canine Pelvis.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of collimation on image quality and radiation dose to the eye lenses of the personnel involved in computed radiography of the canine pelvis.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of canine pelvic radiographs (N = 54) was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between image quality and the degree of field the collimation used. This was followed by a prospective cadaver study (N = 18) that assessed the effects on image quality and on scattered radiation dose of different collimation field areas and exposure parameters. All radiographs were analyzed for image quality using a Visual Grading Analysis (VGA) with three observers. Finally, the potential scattered radiation dose to the eye lens of personnel restraining a dog for pelvic radiographs was measured.Results: The retrospective study showed a slightly better (statistically non-significant) VGA score for the radiographs with optimal collimation. Spatial and contrast resolution and image sharpness showed the greatest improvement in response to minimizing the collimation field. The prospective study showed slightly better VGA scores (improved image quality) with the optimal collimation. Increasing the exposure factors especially the tube current and exposure time (mAs) resulted in improved low contrast resolution and less noise in the radiographs. The potential eye lens radiation dose increased by 14, 28, and 40% [default exposures, increased the tube peak potential (kVp), increased mAs, respectively] as a result of reduced collimation (increased beam size).Conclusion: The degree of collimation has no statistically significant on image quality in canine pelvic radiology for the range of collimation used but does have an impact on potential radiation dose to personnel in the x-ray room. With regard to radiation safety, increases in kVp are associated with less potential scatter radiation exposure compared to comparable increases in mAs.

Diagnostic reference level for adult pelvic examination in several hospitals of Taif and Kharaj city, Saudi Arabia

The current study was aimed to estimate the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK, mGy) for adult patients undergoing conventional radiography of Anteroposterior pelvis examination, and finally to establish a local diagnostic reference level (DRL). A total of 500 patients were exposed to diagnostic radiation in four hospitals (coded A, B, C, and D) in Taif and Kharaj city, Saudi Arabia, with different X-ray equipment specifications. Patient demographic data like age (y), body mass index (BMI) in kg/m2 as well as exposure factors and X-ray tube output were recorded. ESAK (mGy) was first calculated using the exposure data and tube output values, then the ESAK values were used to estimate entrance surface dose (ESD). The average BMI was 23.9 kg/m2. The mean tube potential used in A, B, C, and D hospitals and the corresponding estimated ESD were found to be 74.2, 69.8, 73, 76,7 kVp, and 2.54, 2.64, 2.94, 3.03 mGy respectively. The correlation coefficient between ESAK and BMI was found to be 0.98. When compared to computed radiography (CR), the conventional X-ray digital radiography reduces the radiation exposure in pelvic imaging by a factor of 1.18. The third quartile of median proposed a lower than the DRL of the previous studies.

REJECT-REPEAT ANALYSIS OF RADIOGRAPHS IN DIGITAL COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY (CR) UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA TEACHING HOSPITAL, NIGERIA.

Background: Repeat-Reject Analysis (RRA) is a quality indicator and a critical tool for dose and image quality optimization in Radiology Departments. Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the reject-repeat analysis of radiographs in digital computed radiography (CR) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional design. The study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, University of Abuja st st Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, from 1 September 2020 to 31 March 2021. All the rejected-repeated images were used during the study period; 377 images were rejected. An adapted data capture sheet was used from the quality assurance workbook for Radiographers and Radiological Technologists. The obtained data was analyzed using micro soft excel and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Result: Out of the total of 1362 images that were acquired during the study period, 377 images were rejected. The overall repeat-reject rate was 27.67%. The highest examination was the chest 560 (41.375), followed by lower extremities 41 (10.87%). The lowest examinations were the paranasal sinuses 1 (0.26%) and Thoracic spine 2 (0.52%). The pelvic/hips had the highest repeat-reject rate 28 (52.82%), followed by the lumbosacral spine 29 (49.15%) and then post-nasal space 16 (47.05%) respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the overall repeat-reject rate was higher than the acceptable limit. The chest has the highest number of examinations. The pelvic/hips had the highest repeat-reject rate, followed by the lumbosacral spine and post-nasal space respectively.

Material Analysis of Lead Aprons Using Radiography Non-Destructive Testing

Lead Apron is a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) against the effect of Ionizing Radiation such as X-ray. It is essential for the radiation worker to wear Radiation Protection Equipment during commissions involving ionizing radiation. In Pekanbaru, Indonesia the most common radiation worker is Radiographer which help in hospital for diagnose. In this study the Lead Apron analyzed were 6 apron which suspected to have fault due to its inappropriate tend using NDT radiography methods. Radiography methods have advantage of graphic presentation of object unlike any NDT-methods. The image produce from radiography were analyzed using Computed Radiography (CR) and measured the defection of the material. There was only 3 of 6 Lead Apron appropriate for radiation protection.

Local diagnostic reference levels for routine chest X-ray examinations at a public sector hospital in central South Africa.

BackgroundDose optimisation is a radiation protection guideline recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for adherence to the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) principle. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are used to optimise patients’ radiation protection for diagnostic and interventional procedures and are particularly useful for frequently performed examinations such as chest X-rays.AimTo establish the local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for routine chest X-rays.SettingPublic sector hospital, Northern Cape province, South Africa.MethodsSixty patients referred for chest X-rays fulfilling the inclusion criteria participated in this study. Patients were ≥ 18 years of age and weighed between 60 kg and 80 kg. Consent for participation was obtained. The entrance skin air kerma (ESAK) was measured by using the indirect method recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Statistical software (SAS version 9.2) was used to determine the LDRLs for chest X-rays in three different rooms. In two rooms, computed radiography (CR) was used and the other one was a digital radiography (DR) unit. The LDRL values at the research site were compared with various published international values.ResultsLDRLs for chest X-rays were established. The CR LDRL value for the posteroanterior (PA) chest projection was higher than the DR (flat panel detector [FPD]) LDRL value. The LDRLs of the PA chest projections were 0.3 mGy for CR and 0.2 mGy for DR. The lateral (LAT) chest projection LDRL value was 0.8 mGy for both CR and DR (FPD) projections. The resultant LDRL between rooms at the research site was 0.3 mGy for PA 0.3 mGy and 0.8 mGy for LAT chest projections.ConclusionThe LDRLs for chest X-rays established at this research site were lower than internationally reported DRLs. We recommend that LDRLs for routine chest X-rays should be repeated every 3 years, according to the ICRP.ContributionCurrently, no established or published DRL values prescribed by the Directorate of Radiation Control (DRC) are available in South Africa. The LDRLs established for routine chest X-ray examinations at this research site can serve as a guideline for the establishment of DRL values for other anatomical regions at the research site and other radiology departments in the country.

What is new in computer vision and artificial intelligence in medical image analysis applications.

Computer vision and artificial intelligence applications in medicine are becoming increasingly important day by day, especially in the field of image technology. In this paper we cover different artificial intelligence advances that tackle some of the most important worldwide medical problems such as cardiology, cancer, dermatology, neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory problems, and gastroenterology. We show how both areas have resulted in a large variety of methods that range from enhancement, detection, segmentation and characterizations of anatomical structures and lesions to complete systems that automatically identify and classify several diseases in order to aid clinical diagnosis and treatment. Different imaging modalities such as computer tomography, magnetic resonance, radiography, ultrasound, dermoscopy and microscopy offer multiple opportunities to build automatic systems that help medical diagnosis, taking advantage of their own physical nature. However, these imaging modalities also impose important limitations to the design of automatic image analysis systems for diagnosis aid due to their inherent characteristics such as signal to noise ratio, contrast and resolutions in time, space and wavelength. Finally, we discuss future trends and challenges that computer vision and artificial intelligence must face in the coming years in order to build systems that are able to solve more complex problems that assist medical diagnosis.

Gunshot wound to the lumber spine – Autopsy based case report

Since their origin from China, firearms have gained popularity because of easy techniques and effectiveness. This has made them a popular choice of homicide and suicide. Here we present a case where the death is by shooting from a pistol from a point blank range. Bullet takes a crazy course once entered inside the body due to the variation in fluid flow, densities of various organs and air filled cavities. It becomes all the more difficult if there is surgical manipulation. Radiographs were done to have an idea about the place of lodgment of bullet in body. The advent of various radiographic methods like computer tomography and radiography have made the job of autopsy surgeon a little bit easier.

Comparative Analysis of the Diagnostic Capabilities of a Computer Radiography System and a Portable Flat-Panel Detector for Mammography

For screening and diagnostic examinations of the mammary glands, it is recommended to use both digital mammographic systems and a system for digitizing images. There are two modifications for digitalization of images, a computer radiography system for mammography and a portable flat-panel detector. The article provides a comparative analysis of the diagnostic capabilities of a computer radiography system and a portable flat-panel detector.

Preliminary Study (1) for Development of Computed Radiography (CR) Image Analysis according to X-ray Non-destructive Test by Wood Species

문화재 ë°©ì‚¬ì„ ë¹„íŒŒê´´ 투과 조사 방식은 ì´ë¯¸ì§€í”Œë ˆì´íŠ¸(Image Plate, IP)를 사용하는 디지털 ë°©ì‚¬ì„ ì˜ìƒì‹œìŠ¤í œ(Computed Radiography, CR)이 ë„ìž ë˜ë©´ì„œ 필름방식의 ì•„ë‚ ë¡œê·¸ 이미지에서 ì ì°¨ 디지털 이미지로 êµì²´ë˜ê³ ìžˆë‹¤. ë°©ì‚¬ì„ ë¹„íŒŒê´´ 투과 조사의 이미지 품질은 촬영 ì¡°ê±´(ê´€ì „ì••, ê´€ì „ë¥˜, ë ¸ì¶œì‹œê°„), 영상 획득 매체, 촬영 거리, ìœ ë¬¼ì˜ 두께 등이 영향을 미친다. 이 ë ¼ë¬¸ì—ì„œëŠ” 목재 문화재에 주로 사용되는 ìˆ˜ì¢ (소나무, 밤나무, 은행나무, 상수리나무)에 Xì„ ì„ ì›ì˜ 투과 특성을 GE社의 CR 영상 ì‹œìŠ¤í œì„ 통해 획득된 이미지의 ê·¸ë ˆì´ 스케일(Gray Scale)을 분석한 후 ì‹ í˜¸ 대 잡음비(signal to noise ratio) 및 대조도를 í‰ê°€í•˜ê³ , 이중-ì„ ìƒì§ˆê³„(Duplex-wire image quality indicator), 구형파 차트(line-pair gauges), ì„ í˜• 식별계(Image Quality Indicator)를 이용하여 이미지를 분석하였다. 중심어: 목재 디지털 Xì„ íˆ¬ê³¼ì‹œí—˜, 식별계 투과실험, 이중-ì„ ìƒì§ˆê³„

A comparison of erect weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing radiography of the cervical spine in non-trauma patients

Introduction: Various positioning techniques are utilized to enhance the visualization of lower cervical vertebrae on lateral radiographs. However, the effectiveness of these techniques still remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the weight-bearing (WB) technique in visualizing lower cervical vertebrae and cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1) on standing lateral cervical radiographs of adult non-trauma patients. The study was conducted using both computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems.Methods: Forty-four CR (29 WB and 15 non-WB – NWB) and 61 DR (26 WB and 35 NWB) lateral C-spine radiographs were prospectively evaluated to assess the visible number of cervical vertebral bodies and C7-T1 junction. The instructions given by the radiographer to the patient for the imaging procedure were also assessed on the Likert scale (very good, good, fair, poor, very poor).Results: There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the visualization of the number of vertebral bodies between the two techniques of WB and NWB for CR or DR. Further, no significant relationship (p > 0.05) was observed between the WB technique and the visualization of C7-T1 junction in DR systems. However, a significant difference was identified for CR (p = 0.012). The instruction given to the patient significantly correlated with the visibility of the lower C-spine region within each group of WB and NWB in both imaging systems.Conclusions: The visibility of the number of vertebral bodies in the lower C-spine region in either CR or DR systems did not demonstrate any enhancement with the WB technique. Regardless of the imaging system or techniques used, adequate instructions given to the patient before and during the imaging procedure of C-spine lateral radiography demonstrated a significant improvement in visualizing the lower C-spine region. In this preliminary study, the application of erect WB radiography technique in evaluating the lower cervical region of adult non-trauma patients gives limited advantage.

Radiologia de tecnologia digital aplicada à pintura: avaliação da qualidade de imagens obtidas em sistemas clínicos de radiologia

Introduction: The area’s studies have a great relevance in artwork. Laboratories committed to this purpose are scarce and employ professionals without specific knowledge in handling of ionizing radiation. It is not known to what extent, in Portugal, clinical radiological centers could provide added value to technology of digital radiography applied to painting, in order to expand their business areas and the performance of radiographers, thus enhancing synergies between these two areas. Goals: It was intended to analyse a possible applicability, to painting, of the Digital Radiology systems (CR and DR), used in the clinic settings, through the evaluation of the variable “radiographic image quality”, since the systems Clinical radiological tests, with indirect or direct conversion detectors of different energies and photodetectors of the electrical signal, show significant improvements in imaging patterns. Material and Methods: 21 radiographs were obtained from exposures made over three paintings in three different radiological systems with an emphasis on exposure parameters (potential difference (kV) and current intensity (mAs)). The sample was directed to works that presented different techniques, materials and compositions and selected by a museologist. The quality of the radiographs, operationalized by the analysis’s dimensions used in the evaluation of artworks: preservation of the support; distinction of details; contrast; contour definition; creative and technical process and components / materials. Four observers (2 specialists in medical image and 2 in art), under conditions of independence, evaluated the radiographs acquired according to a 4-point Likert scale. The analysis dimensions were organized into 11 criteria and the conditions for structured observation of the radiographs were standardized for display on a 15.6 ”GeChic 1503H monitor. Results: The most graded images were obtained with the Computerized Radiography (CR) system (mode: 3) given that this technology, in the opinion of the observers, provided a better view of the analysis criteria previously defined. The results were presented using descriptive statistics and discrete categorical variables, grouped into modal classes. Conclusions: Clinical digital radiography, especially Computed Radiography (CR), applied to painting, showed considerable dimensions of image quality and its use can contribute to the conservation, restoration, validation, analytical study, dating and authentication of artworks.

On the relevance of modulation transfer function measurements in digital mammography quality control.

Purpose: The relevance of presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements in digital mammography (DM) quality control (QC) is examined. Two studies are presented: a case study on the impact of a reduction in MTF on the technical image quality score and analysis of the robustness of routine QC MTF measurements. Approach: In the first study, two needle computed radiography (CR) plates with identical sensitivities were used with differences in the 50% point of the MTF ( ) larger than the limiting value in the European guidelines ( change between successive measurements). Technical image quality was assessed via threshold gold thickness of the CDMAM phantom and threshold microcalcification diameter of the L1 structured phantom. For the second study, presampling MTF results from 595 half-yearly QC tests of 55 DM systems (16 types, six manufacturers) were analyzed for changes from the baseline value and changes in between successive tests. Results: A reduction of 20% in of the two CR plates was observed. There was a tendency to a lower score for task-based metrics, but none were significant. Averaging over 55 systems, the absolute relative change in between consecutive tests (with 95% confidence interval) was 3% (2.5% to 3.4%). Analysis of the maximum relative change from baseline revealed changes of up to for one a-Se based system and for a group of CsI-based systems. Conclusions: A limit of 10% is a relevant action level for investigation. If exceeded, then the impact on performance has to be verified with extra metrics.

Optimal exposure factors for lumbar spine AP in computed radiography examinations

Background: In diagnostic radiography, selection of kVp and mAs to produce acceptable image quality with a minimum dose has been a challenge even for experience radiographers. The aim of this study was to determine optimal exposure factors for lumbar spine AP examinations in computed radiograph using dose-image quality analysis. Materials and Methods: A female anthropomorphic phantom was used for dose-image quality analysis to determine the optimal exposure factors (mAs and kVp) for lumbar spine AP. Indirect method was used to estimate the entrance skin dose (ESD) to the anthropomorphic phantom. kVp values of 70, 80, 90 and100 were selected while mAs values of 16, 18, 20,22,25, 28,32, 36, 40, 45 and 50 were also selected for the acquisition of all the images. Three (3) senior radiographers evaluated the image quality using image quality criteria set up by European Commission. Results: The result indicated that the image quality score increased as ESD (mGy) increased. However, there was no significant change in image quality score between ESD of 1.941 and 4.882 mGy. 70 kVp and 22 mAs were accepted as optimal exposure factors for standard body size lumbar spine AP examinations in diagnostic radiography of computed radiography (CR). Conclusion: Optimization of exposure factors (kVp and mAs) is necessary in radiographic examinations to ensure safe use of radiation in medicine. It ensures effective patient dose management because radiograph with high quality can be obtained for effective diagnostic information.

Breast Cancer Screening: Comparison of Screening Modalities in Taiwan

Background: Screening for breast cancer is an important method for reducing the death rate in the Westernworld over the past 20-30 years. On this basis, since 2004 , the National Health Bureau of Taiwan has alsobegun providing free screening service. The purpose of the current research is to compare the efficacy of thethree-mammography modalities for breast cancer identification.Methods: Between July 2004 and December 2010, a total of 23,513 eligible women underwent screeningmammography. 6804 of these received screen-film mammography (SFM), 1610 received computedradiography (CR) mammography, and 15,099 received digital mammography (DM). The detection rate ofcarcinoma-in-situ, early detection rate of cancer, and the overall cancer detection rate of each modality wascalculated. To determine the statistical significance of performance differences between these modalitiesChi-square test was used.Results: SFM callback rate was 12.23%, cancer detection rate was 5.29%, Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)detection rate was 1.76%. Computed radiography’s callback rate was 12.67%, with a cancer detection rateof 6.21% and DCIS detection rate of 1.24%. DM has the highest callback rate of 16.2%, but also the highestrate of cancer detection and DCIS detection rate of 9.21% and 3.58% respectively. DM was found to havebetter cancer detection rate and DCIS detection rate as compared to SFM and CR, it is only statisticallysignificant when compared to SFM. Although DM has better cancer and DCIS detection rates, it is alsoassociated with higher callback rate.Conclusions: In terms of image quality and greater contrast, optical mammography has many advantageswhen opposed to screen-film and computed radiography mammography. In the Asian population, wherewomen have higher breast densities, this is particularly vital. The incidence of Taiwanese breast cancer issteadily growing

Semi-quantitative scoring of imaging modalities in detecting soft tissue foreign bodies: an in vitro study.

Accurate identification of foreign bodies (FB) using medical imaging is essential for diagnosis and determining the suitable retrieval technique. To compare the sensitivity of different imaging modalities for detecting various FB materials in soft tissue and assess the reproducibility of a scoring system for grading the conspicuity of FBs. Five FB materials (plastic, wood, glass, aluminum, and copper) were embedded in a tissue-mimicking phantom. Computed radiography (CR), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared using a semi-quantitative 5-point Likert scale scoring system. The intra- and inter-reader reproducibility of four independent readers was analyzed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W). Glass was visible on all imaging modalities. Plastic was only visible in excellent detail using ultrasound. Wood was detected in excellent resolution using ultrasound and CT using the default window while plain X-ray failed to detect it. Ultrasound was the only modality that showed aluminum in excellent quality while CT showed it with good demarcation from the surroundings. Copper was detectable in excellent detail using CR, ultrasound, and CT. MRI performance was suboptimal, especially with the plastic FB. The scoring system showed excellent intra-reader (W = 0.91, P = 0.001) and inter-reader (W = 0.88, P < 0.001) reproducibility. Ultrasound can be used as the first line of investigation for wood, plastic, glass, and metallic FBs impacted at superficial depths in soft tissue. The semi-quantitative FB scoring system showed excellent within- and between-reader reliability, which can be used to score and compare the detection performance of new imaging techniques.