Computed Radiography Research Articles

SU-D-204-06: Dose and Image Quality Evaluation of a Low-Dose Slot-Scanning X-Ray System for Pediatric Orthopedic Studies

Purpose: Children in early teens with scoliosis require repeated radiographic exams over a number of years. The EOS (EOS imaging S.A., Paris, France) is a novel low-dose slot-scanning digital radiographic system designed to produce full-spine images of a free-standing patient. The radiation dose and image quality characteristics of the EOS were evaluated relative to those of a Computed Radiography (CR) system for scoliosis imaging. Methods: For dose evaluation, a full-torso anthropomorphic phantom was scanned five times using the default standard clinical protocols for both the EOS and a CR system, which include both posteroanterior and lateral full-spine views. Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs), also known as nanoDots™ (Landauer, Inc., Glenwood, IL), were placed on the phantom's surface to measure entrance skin dose. To assess image quality, MTF curves were generated from sampling the noise levels within the high-contrast regions of a line-pair phantom. Vertical and horizontal distortions were measured for the square line-pair phantom with the EOS system to evaluate the effects of geometric magnification and misalignment with the indicated imaging plane. Results: The entrance skin dose was measured to be 0.4 to 1.1 mGy for the EOS, and 0.7 to 3.6 mGy for the CR study. MTF comparison shows that CR greatly outperforms the EOS, despite both systems having a limiting resolution at 1.8 line-pairs per mm. Vertical distortion was unaffected by phantom positioning, because of the EOS slot-scanning geometry. Horizontal distortion increased linearly with miscentering distance. Conclusion: The EOS system resulted in approximately 70% lower radiation dose than CR for full-spine images. Image quality was found to be inferior to CR. Further investigation is required to see if EOS system is an acceptable modality for performing clinically diagnostic scoliosis examinations.

SU‐E‐T‐223: Computed Radiography Dose Measurements of External Radiotherapy Beams

Purpose:To obtain quantitative, two‐dimensional dose measurements of external radiotherapy beams with a computed radiography (CR) system and to derive volume correction factors for ionization chambers in small fields.Methods:A commercial Kodak ACR2000i CR system with Kodak Flexible Phosphor Screen HR storage foils was used. Suitable measurement conditions and procedures were established. Several corrections were derived, including image fading, length‐scale corrections and long‐term stability corrections. Dose calibration curves were obtained for cobalt, 4 MV, 8 MV and 25 MV photons, and for 10 MeV, 15 MeV and 18 MeV electrons in a water phantom. Inherent measurement inhomogeneities were studied as well as directional dependence of the response. Finally, 2D scans with ionization chambers were directly compared to CR measurements, and volume correction factors were derived.Results:Dose calibration curves (0.01 Gy to 7 Gy) were obtained for multiple photon and electron beam qualities. For each beam quality, the calibration curves can be described by a single fit equation over the whole dose range. The energy dependence of the dose response was determined. The length scale on the images was adjusted scan‐by‐scan, typically by 2 percent horizontally and by 3 percent vertically. The remaining inhomogeneities after the system's standard calibration procedure were corrected for. After correction, the homogeneity is on the order of a few percent. The storage foils can be rotated by up to 30 degrees without a significant effect on the measured signal. First results on the determination of volume correction factors were obtained.Conclusion:With CR, quantitative, two‐dimensional dose measurements with a high spatial resolution (sub‐mm) can be obtained over a large dose range. In order to make use of these advantages, several calibrations, corrections and supporting measurements are needed.This work was funded by the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) project HLT09 MetrExtRT Metrology for Radiotherapy using Complex Radiation Fields.

Dosimetry and image quality in digital mammography facilities in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract According to the National Register of Health Care Facilities (CNES), there are approximately 477 mammography systems operating in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, of which an estimated 200 are digital apparatus using mainly computerized radiography (CR) or direct radiography (DR) systems. Mammography is irreplaceable in the diagnosis and early detection of breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. A high standard of image quality alongside smaller doses and optimization of procedures are essential if early detection is to occur. This study aimed to determine dosimetry and image quality in 68 mammography services in Minas Gerais using CR or DR systems. The data of this study were collected between the years of 2011 and 2013. The contrast-to-noise ratio proved to be a critical point in the image production chain in digital systems, since 90% of services were not compliant in this regard, mainly for larger PMMA thicknesses (60 and 70 mm). Regarding the image noise, only 31% of these were compliant. The average glandular dose found is of concern, since more than half of the services presented doses above acceptable limits. Therefore, despite the potential benefits of using CR and DR systems, the employment of this technology has to be revised and optimized to achieve better quality image and reduce radiation dose as much as possible.

Management status of computed radiography in Korean hospitals

Although image quality control (QC) of digital system requires professionalism and information techniques, the real situation is that accurate image QC has not been carried out due to the lack of information and experienced operators in clinics. Therefore, in the present study, image QC was divided into representative medical images via computed radiography (CR), and a means of maintaining the optimal image quality in clinics is suggested. The QC state of 25 Korean hospitals equipped with CR was assessed by a questionnaire. Based on the answers, experiments were carried out by dividing the data into the CR. In the CR, the systemic QC of the imaging plate (IP) was examined by assessing the management of the IP with a questionnaire. The results in the CR part demonstrated the importance of systemic management and the establishment of standards, such as selection of the appropriate turnover cycle, based on the use of an IP and the management state determined by the questionnaire. This highlights the need to develop a company's own training program for the use of CR. There is little research data on methods of the image QC for CR equipment. Accordingly, equipment companies and operators should establish systemic QC methods through more studies.

Getting started with protocol for quality assurance of digital mammography in the clinical centre of Montenegro.

The purpose of this work is (i) to work out a test procedure for quality assurance (QA) in digital mammography with newly released test equipment, including the MagicMax mam multimeter (IBA, Germany) and the anthropomorphic tissue equivalent phantom Mammo AT (IBA, Germany), and (ii) to determine whether a first digital computer radiography (CR) system in Montenegro meets the current European standards. Tested parameters were tube output (µGy mAs(-1)) and output rate (mGy s(-1)), reproducibility and accuracy of tube voltage, half value layer, reproducibility and accuracy of the AEC system, exposure control steps, image receptor's response function, image quality and printer stability test. The evaluated dosimetric quantity is the average glandular dose (AGD) as evaluated from PMMA slabs simulating breast tissue. The main findings are that QA can be organised in Montenegro. (1) All measured parameters are within the range described in European protocols except the tube voltage which deviated more than ± 1 kV. The automatic determination of the HVL was satisfactorily. AGD ranged from 0.66 to 7.02 mGy for PMMA thicknesses from 20 to 70 mm, and is in accordance with literature data. (2) The image quality score as obtained with the anthropomorphic tissue equivalent phantom Mammo AT for the CR system was similar to findings on the authors' conventional screen-film mammography. (3) In clinical practice the mammograms are printed. The CR reader produces images with a pixel size of 43.75 µm, which is compatible with the laser printer (39 µm laser spot spacing). The image processing algorithm embedded in the reader successfully processes mammograms with desirable image brightness and contrast in the printed image. The authors conclude that this first digital mammography system seems a good candidate for breast cancer screening applications.

Radiation dose levels for conventional chest and abdominal X-ray procedures in elected hospitals in Sudan.

This study aimed to assess patient entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) during chest and abdominal X-ray procedures in screen film radiography (SFR) and computed radiography (CR) to establish dose reference levels. Patients' doses were measured in five hospitals for a total of 196 patients. ESAK was calculated from exposure parameters using DosCal software. The X-ray tube output (mGy mAs(-1)), accuracy of exposure factors, linearity and reproducibility were measured using an Unfors Xi dosimeter. The overall mean and range of ESAK during chest X-ray were 0.6 ± 0.3 (0.1-1.3) mGy, while for abdominal X-rays they were 4.0 ± 3.2 (1.3-9.2) mGy. Hospital with a CR system was found to use relatively higher doses. Dose values for abdominal X-ray procedures were comparable with previous studies. The dose for chest X-ray procedure was higher by a factor of 2-3 compared with the current international reference levels.

Comparison of Conventional Radiography and Digital Computerized Radiography in Patients Presenting to Emergency Department

SUMMARYObjectivesTo compare the differences between conventional radiography and digital computerized radiography (CR) in patients presenting to the emergency department.MethodsThe study enrolled consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department who needed chest radiography. Quality score of the radiogram was assessed with visual analogue score (VAS-100 mm), measured in terms of millimeters and recorded at the end of study. Examination time, interpretation time, total time, and cost of radiograms were calculated.ResultsThere were significant differences between conventional radiography and digital CR groups in terms of location unit (Care Unit, Trauma, Resuscitation), hour of presentation, diagnosis group, examination time, interpretation time, and examination quality. Examination times for conventional radiography and digital CR were 45.2 and 34.2 minutes, respectively. Interpretation times for conventional radiography and digital CR were 25.2 and 39.7 minutes, respectively. Mean radiography quality scores for conventional radiography and digital CR were 69.1 mm and 82.0 mm. Digital CR had a 1.05 TL cheaper cost per radiogram compared to conventional radiography.ConclusionsSince interpretation of digital radiograms is performed via terminals inside the emergency department, the patient has to be left in order to interpret the digital radiograms, which prolongs interpretation times. We think that interpretation of digital radiograms with the help of a mobile device would eliminate these difficulties. Although the initial cost of setup of digital CR and PACS service is high at the emergency department, we think that Digital CR is more cost-effective than conventional radiography for emergency departments in the long-term.

Dose Optimization in Lumbar Spine Radiographic Examination by Air Gap Method at CR and DR Systems: A Phantom Study

ObjectiveThis study aims at investigating the feasibility of replacing an antiscatter grid with an air gap to achieve dose reduction for lumbar spine radiography while retaining image quality at an acceptable diagnostic level. MethodsFrontal and lateral projections of lumbar spine radiographic examinations were performed on an anthropomorphic phantom. Nongrid images of both the computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems with air gap thickness ranging from 0 to 25 cm were produced and compared with their corresponding grid images. Dose measurements using thermoluminescent dosimeters at the ovary and testes regions of the phantom were conducted. The image quality of all the images was evaluated by five radiographers using image quality score and visual grading analysis tests. Data on dose measurements and image quality tests were input for statistical analysis. The dose area product (DAP) of all the examinations was recorded and input for the computation of effective doses using a PC-based Monte Carlo program (PCXMC 2.0; STUK, Helsinki, Finland). ResultsSignificant dose reduction effects on the ovaries of 60.2%–74.1% and 55.1%–73.3% were found, respectively, at the frontal and lateral projections of nongrid lumbar spine examinations compared with their corresponding grid ones in both the CR and DR systems. Results on the image quality score and visual grading analysis tests showed that nongrid images with 10-cm and 5-cm of air gap thicknesses respective to the frontal and lateral images of the lumbar spine were rated with the highest scores. In general, a dose reduction effect using the air gap method was found to be more pronounced in the CR system compared with the DR system. Nevertheless, the CR system delivered a 2.4–4.5 times higher ovary dose respective to the frontal and lateral projections of lumbar spine examinations compared with the DR system. ConclusionsTen and 5 centimeters were found to be the optimal air gap thicknesses respective to the frontal and lateral lumbar spine radiographic examinations of the tested Rando phantom (Alderson Laboratories, Stamford, CT) in both the CR and DR systems. Significant dose reduction effects on both the ovary and testes regions of the nongrid examinations were shown. The effective dose computed from PCMCX 2.0 reflected that the risk of cancer induction was halved when an antiscatter grid was replaced by the nongrid method with an optimal air gap thickness in the tested examinations. Further reduction on cancer risk could be achieved by using DR instead of the CR system.

Investigating the use of an antiscatter grid in chest radiography for average adults with a computed radiography imaging system.

The aim of this study was to investigate via simulation a proposed change to clinical practice for chest radiography. The validity of using a scatter rejection grid across the diagnostic energy range (60-125 kVp), in conjunction with appropriate tube current-time product (mAs) for imaging with a computed radiography (CR) system was investigated. A digitally reconstructed radiograph algorithm was used, which was capable of simulating CR chest radiographs with various tube voltages, receptor doses and scatter rejection methods. Four experienced image evaluators graded images with a grid (n = 80) at tube voltages across the diagnostic energy range and varying detector air kermas. These were scored against corresponding images reconstructed without a grid, as per current clinical protocol. For all patients, diagnostic image quality improved with the use of a grid, without the need to increase tube mAs (and therefore patient dose), irrespective of the tube voltage used. Increasing tube mAs by an amount determined by the Bucky factor made little difference to image quality. A virtual clinical trial has been performed with simulated chest CR images. RESULTS indicate that the use of a grid improves diagnostic image quality for average adults, without the need to increase tube mAs, even at low tube voltages. Validated with images containing realistic anatomical noise, it is possible to improve image quality by utilizing grids for chest radiography with CR systems without increasing patient exposure. Increasing tube mAs by an amount determined by the Bucky factor is not justified.

The Enhanced Workflow and Efficiency of the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)-Based Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) Portable Radiography.

With the implementation of the PACS in the hospital, there is an increasing demand from the clinicians for immediate access and display of radiological images. Recently, our hospital has installed the first wireless local area network (WLAN)-based direct digital radiography (DDR) portable radiography system. The DDR portable radiography system allows wireless retrieval of modality worklist and wireless transmission of portable X-ray image on the console to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), via WLAN connection of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). The aim of this study was to analyze the workflow and performance between the WLAN-based DDR portable radiography system and the old practice using conventional portable X-ray machine with computed radiography (CR) system. A total of 190 portable chest X-ray examinations were evaluated and timed, using the conventional portable X-ray machine with CR from March to April of 2012 and using the new DDR portable radiography system on December of 2012 (n = 97 for old system and n = 93 for DDR portable system). The time interval of image becoming available to the PACS using the WLAN-based DDR portable radiography system was significantly shorter than that of the old practice using the conventional portable X-ray machine with CR (6.8 ± 2.6 min for DDR portable system; 23 ± 10.2 min for old system; p < 0.0001), with the efficiency improved by 70 %. The implementation of the WLAN-based DDR portable radiography system can enhance the workflow of portable radiography by reduction of procedural steps.

Report based on fiscal 2010 diagnostic X-ray equipment questionnaire survey (conditions of radiography)

This is the eighth investigation which has been carried out every 5 years since 1974 for the purpose of grasping the trend of X-ray devices and the radiographic condition. We gathered it up mainly on a radiographic condition, in this report. As for the chest radiography and double contrast gastrography, introduction of the flat panel detector (FPD) advanced in comparison with the last survey. Ratio of the imaging system at chest radiography was 65% for computed radiography (CR), 33% for FPD, 1% for screen/film (S/F), and 1% for others. The radiographic condition of FPD was current time product less than CR. Ratio of the imaging system at gastrography was 3% for CR, 48% for FPD, 34% for image intensifier-digital radiography (I.I.-DR), and 15% for S/F. The tube voltage and the exposure time were similar to the last survey time, but the tube current became lower. Through this survey, the change of the radiographic condition was seen in the radiography part where introduction of the FPD advanced. We think the continuous survey is necessary in future.

The art of rejection: Comparative analysis between Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) workstations in the Accident & Emergency and General radiology departments at a district general hospital using customised and standardised reject criteria over a three year period

AimsReject analysis continues to play an integral part of a Quality Assurance (QA) program. This study aims to show how Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) reject analysis data can be customised by the user to aid in the interpretation of exported data and identify trends and issues relating to technique and training. Materials and methodsReject analysis was reviewed for the period of 2011–2014 using exported data from CR and DR systems in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) and General radiology departments at a district general hospital. Reject criteria was customised to departmental needs and standardised across all workstation's with monthly data collection for amalgamation onto a central spreadsheet. ResultsAnalysis by workstation and department was performed with regards to total number of exposure events, rejects and reject ratios (%) and reasons for film rejection (positional and exposure) were reviewed. Annual overall reject ratios (%) were shown to be on average within levels acceptable by the World Health Organisation (WHO)1 with some variability on monthly basis according to workloads experienced. ConclusionsA number of improvements have been suggested to improve data reliability for future analysis and the continuation of a review of the physical rejected image is recommended as this can highlight problematic areas and help to reveal trends which pure data cannot show.

Dose optimization in pelvic radiography by air gap method on CR and DR systems – A phantom study

ObjectivesThis study aimed at investigating the feasibility of replacing the anti-scatter grid with an air gap at a pelvic radiographic examination in order to reduce patient dose while retaining diagnostic image quality. MethodsAn anthropomorphic pelvis phantom was placed on a device that allowed the adjustment of different air gap thicknesses introduced between the phantom and the image receptor of Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) systems. Grid and non-grid images with different air gap thicknesses of both systems were produced. Ovary and testes doses were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Radiographic quality of all images was rated by 5 experienced radiographers blindly using the Image Quality Score (IQS) and Visual Grading Analysis (VGA) systems. ResultsImages of diagnostic quality were produced while the grid was replaced by a range of 0–25 cm air gap thickness in the pelvic radiographic examination. At non-grid examination with 10 cm air gap thickness, a maximum of relative dose reduction by 70.7% and 81.6% at CR; 68.6% and 79.4% at DR were achieved respectively at ovary and testes locations of the phantom as compared with their corresponding grid examinations. Conclusion10 cm was found to be the optimal air gap thickness at the tested pelvic examination. Effective dose was found to be reduced by 2 and 2.3 times respectively at the CR and DR examinations while the anti-scatter grid was replaced by 10 cm air gap. However, dose reduction effect by air gap method was found to be more pronounced in CR than in DR.

Synchrotron based planar imaging and digital tomosynthesis of breast and biopsy phantoms using a CMOS active pixel sensor

The SYRMEP (SYnchrotron Radiation for MEdical Physics) beamline at Elettra is performing the first mammography study on human patients using free-space propagation phase contrast imaging. The stricter spatial resolution requirements of this method currently force the use of conventional films or specialized computed radiography (CR) systems. This also prevents the implementation of three-dimensional (3D) approaches. This paper explores the use of an X-ray detector based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology as a possible alternative, for acquisitions both in planar and tomosynthesis geometry.Results indicate higher quality of the images acquired with the synchrotron set-up in both geometries. This improvement can be partly ascribed to the use of parallel, collimated and monochromatic synchrotron radiation (resulting in scatter rejection, no penumbra-induced blurring and optimized X-ray energy), and partly to phase contrast effects. Even though the pixel size of the used detector is still too large – and thus suboptimal – for free-space propagation phase contrast imaging, a degree of phase-induced edge enhancement can clearly be observed in the images.

X-ray imaging plate performance investigation based on a Monte Carlo simulation tool

Computed radiography (CR) based on imaging plate (IP) technology represents a potential replacement technique for traditional film-based industrial radiography. For investigating the IP performance especially at high energies, a Monte Carlo simulation tool based on PENELOPE has been developed. This tool tracks separately direct and secondary radiations, and monitors the behavior of different particles. The simulation output provides 3D distribution of deposited energy in IP and evaluation of radiation spectrum propagation allowing us to visualize the behavior of different particles and the influence of different elements. A detailed analysis, on the spectral and spatial responses of IP at different energies up to MeV, has been performed.

AP versus PA positioning in lumbar spine computed radiography: Image quality and individual organ doses

PurposeRadiological imaging examinations must be optimised in order to ensure that the radiation dose is kept as low as reasonably possible (ALARP). The aim of this study was to compare anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) projections of the lumbar spine, at various kVp increments, in order to establish optimum parameters. MethodsAn anthropomorphic phantom was imaged in both the AP/PA projections and at various kVp increments. Acquisitions were undertaken using a Wolverson Acroma X-ray unit and processed using an Agfa computed radiography (CR) unit. The entrance surface dose was recorded and converted to effective and organ doses using PCXMC 2.0 software. Five observers were then asked to evaluate the images, using a two-alternative force choice (2AFC) approach and a scale based on EC guidelines. ResultsThe PA projection lowered the mean effective dose by 19.8% and also the mean absorbed dose to the stomach (70.4%), colon (61.1%), remainder tissues (33.2%), ovaries (7.3%) and testes (15.9%). However, this was at the expense of slightly inferior image quality, not statistically significant. For AP projections, a higher kVp is a further option for dose reduction. ConclusionDose optimisation requires the production of an image that is acceptable for the purpose intended. Based on ALARP, and when taking into consideration the dose reductions in this study, it may now be time to routinely use PA projections when imaging the lumbar spine. The use of a higher kVp should also be considered as an option but would be more useful for AP projections.

Using computed radiography — how does it compare to film-screen radiography?

Many veterinary practices have recently switched from using film-screen (plain film) radiography to computed radiography (CR). Due to the number of inherent differences between the two modalities, there are many new factors to understand in order to get the most out of a CR system and to work safely. While there is no substitute for proper training on any new piece of equipment, this article explains the most important differences between film-screen radiography and CR, enabling veterinary nurses to apply a greater degree of knowledge when using CR. Learning how CR works and the methods needed to use it properly will result in optimised image quality and better safety for staff and patients.

Evaluation of an edge method for computed radiography and an electronic portal imaging device in radiotherapy: Image quality measurements

Regular quality assurance (QA) of image quality is essential for reasonable patient dose and accurate treatment. Thus, QA should be performed as a routine for correction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the modulation transfer function (MTF), the noise power spectrum (NPS) and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of the computed radiography (CR) system and the digital radiography (DR) system by using the edge method in megavoltage X-ray imaging (MVI). We used an edge block, which consisting of tungsten with dimensions of 19 (thickness) × 10 (length) × 1 (width) cm3 and measured the pre-sampling MTF by using a 6-megavolt (MV) energy. Computed radiography with an image plate (CR-IP) showed the values of 0.4 mm−1 and 1.19 mm−1 for MTF 0.5 and 0.1. In the DR group, Elekta iViewGT showed the highest value of 0.27 mm−1 for MTF 0.5, and Siemens BEAMVIEWPLUS showed the highest value of 0.98 mm−1 for MTF 0.1. In CR, the NPS of CR-IP showed a favorable noise distribution. Thus, in the DR group, the NPS of Elekta iViewGT showed the highest noise distribution. CR-IP showed values at peak DQE and 1 mm−1 DQE of 0.0013 and 0.00011, respectively. In the DR group, Elekta iViewGT showed the best efficiency at a peak DQE of 0.0009, and Siemens BEAMVIEWPLUS showed the best efficiency at a 1-mm−1 DQE of 0.000008. The edge method produced fast assessments of the MTF and the DQE. We could validate the evaluation of the edge method by comparing of the CR system to the DR system. This study demonstrated that the edge method can be used for not only traditional QA imaging but also quantitative MTF, NPS and DQE measurements in detector development.

Evaluation of the modulation transfer function of megavoltage X-rays

The modulation transfer function (MTF) must be measured against the requirements of the specific digital imaging application under consideration in order to evaluate the performance of detector equipment and to further develop the detector by performing quality-assurance (QA) procedures. The purpose of this study was to measure the MTF in digital megavoltage images (DMVs) for radiation therapy (RT) by using an edge block. We used 6 megavolts (MVs) of energy for the pre-sampling MTF, along with a photo-stimulating phosphor-based computed radiography (CR) system and a hexalon lead screen that contained a terbium-doped gadolinium oxysulfide granular phosphor (Gd2O2S:Tb). The DMV MTF was measured at both low and high resolutions according to changes in the dose in monitor units (MUs) by using four different detector combinations: CR-IP (image plate: photo-stimulable phosphor screen), CR-IP-Lead (image plate + lead screen), CR-IP-Regular (fast front screen + image plate + fast front screen) and CR-IP-Fast (fast back screen + image plate + fast front screen). At a low resolution, the MTF 50% and the MTF 10% when using the CR-IP detector increased by about 30% and 46%, in proportion to the increase in the dose from 1 to 20 MU, respectively. At a high resolution, the CR-IP and the CR-IP-Lead detectors showed increases in the MTF of about 8% or 10% when the dose increased from 1 to 20 MU. The present study, therefore, evaluates how edge methods can be helpful in taking MTF measurements during QA tests of a megavoltage imaging (MVI) system.

CR(Computed Radiography)에서 초점 크기와 디지털영상후처리에 따른 공간분해능의 정량적 분석

Abstract The aim of the present study was to carry out quantitative analysis of spatial resolution for the influence of the focus size and digital image post-processing on the Computed Radiography (CR). The modulation transfer functions of an edge measuring method (MTF) was used for the evaluation of the spatial resolution. The focus size of X-ray tube was used the small focus (0.6 mm) and the large focus (1.2 mm). We evaluated the 50% and 10% of MTF for the enhancement of edge and contrast by using multi-scale image contrast amplification (MUSICA) in digital image post-processing. As a results, the edge enhancement than the contrast enhancement were significantly higher the spatial resolution of MTF 50% in all focus. Also the spatial resolution of the obtained images in a large focus were improved by digital image processing. In conclusion, the results of this study should serve as a basic data for obtain the high resolution clinical images, such as skeletal and chest images on the CR.