Difference In Signal-to-noise Ratio Research Articles

Characterizing a novel scintillating glass for application to megavoltage cone-beam computed tomography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a prototype electric portal imaging device (EPID) with a high detective quantum efficiency (DQE) scintillator, LKH-5. Specifically, image quality in context of both planar and megavoltage (MV) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is analyzed. Planar image quality in terms of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and DQE are measured and compared to an existing EPID (AS-1200) using the 6MV beamline for a Varian TrueBeam linac. Imager performance is contextualized for three-dimensional (3D), MV-CBCT performance by measuring imager lag and analyzing the expected degradation of the DQE as a function of dose. Finally, comparisons between reconstructed images of the Catphan phantom in terms of qualitative quality and signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) are made for 6MV images using both conventional and LKH-5 EPIDs as well as for the kilovoltage (kV) on-board imager (OBI). Analysis of the NPS reveals linearity at all measured doses using the prototype LKH-5 detector. While the first zero of the MTF is much lower for the LKH-5 detector than the conventional EPID (0.6 cycles/mm vs 1.6 cycles/mm), the normalized NPS (NNPS) multiplied by total quanta (qNNPS) of the LKH-5 detector is roughly a factor of seven to eight times lower, yielding a DQE(0) of approximately 8%. First, second, and third frame lag were measured at approximately 23%, 5%, and 1%, respectively, although no noticeable image artifacts were apparent in reconstructed volumes. Analysis of low-dose performance reveals that DQE(0) remains at 80% of its maximum value at a dose as low as 7.5×10-6 MU. For a 400 projection technique, this represents a total scan dose of 0.0030MU, suggesting that if imaging doses are increased to a value typical of kV-CBCT scans (~2.7cGy), the LKH-5 detector will retain quantum noise limited performance. Finally, comparing Catphan scans, the prototype detector exhibits much lower image noise than the conventional EPID, resulting in improved small object representation. Furthermore, SDNR of H2 O and polystyrene cylinders improved from -1.95 and 2.94 to -15 and 18.7, respectively. Imaging performance of the prototype LKH-5 detector was measured and analyzed for both planar and 3D contexts. Improving noise transfer of the detector results in concurrent improvement of DQE(0). For 3D imaging, temporal characteristics were adequate for artifact-free performance and at relevant doses, the detector retained quantum noise limited performance. Although quantitative MTF measurements suggest poorer resolution, small object representation of the prototype imager is qualitatively improved over the conventional detector due to the measured reduction in noise.

A novel phantom for characterization of dual energy imaging using an on-board imaging system

Dual-energy (DE) imaging using planar imaging with an on-board imager (OBI) is being considered in radiotherapy. We describe here a custom phantom designed to optimize DE imaging parameters using the OBI of a commercial linear accelerator. The phantom was constructed of lung-, tissue- and bone-equivalent material slabs. Five simulated tumors located at two different depths were encased in the lung-equivalent materials. Two slabs with bone-equivalent material inserts were constructed to simulate ribs, which overlap the simulated tumors. DE bone suppression was performed using a weighted logarithmic subtraction based on an iterative method that minimized the contrast between simulated bone- and lung-equivalent materials. The phantom was subsequently used to evaluate different combinations of high-low kV x-ray pairs of images based on the signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) metric. The results show a strong correlation between tumor visibility and selected energy pairs, where higher energy separation leads to larger SDNR values. To evaluate the effect of image post-processing methods on tumor visibility, an anti-correlated noise reduction (ACNR) technique and adaptive kernel scatter correction method were applied to subsequent DE images. Application of the ACNR technique approximately doubled the SDNR values, hence increasing tumor visibility, while scatter correction had little effect on SDNR values. This phantom allows for quick image acquisition and optimization of imaging parameters and weighting factors. Optimized DE imaging increases soft tissue visibility and may allow for markerless motion tracking of lung tumors.

272 Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Index (DBTI): A score to evaluate Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) device.

Purpose The aim of this study is to combine image quality (IQ) and dosimetric parameters into a score to evaluate the goodness of a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) device. Methods Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Index (DBTI) is derived from two figure of merit (FoM) introduced to evaluate CT devices (Rose and ImPACT) [1] . These FoMs include parameters as contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution in terms of modulation transfer function (MTF), slice thickness and a dosimetric quantity (CTDI). In the same way, DBTI is designed to have a quadratic dependence from signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), cubical dependence from the MTF, and to be inversely proportional to slice-sensitivity profile (SSP) and average glandular dose (AGD). IQ parameters were measured using the Tomophan phantom. SDNR was evaluated with the 0.2 mm thick aluminum insert. MTF was calculated for scan and sub-scan directions from the point spread function of the 0.18 mm tungsten bead. SSP evaluation was performed with the two reversing angled bead ramps method. These parameters were evaluated for two different DBT devices at seven different values of AGD, obtained manually setting the tube current time product. Results Each DBT device showed a characteristic value of DBTI. These values were constant as the tube current time product changes, with a standard deviation of 2% and 6% for the two devices. Conclusions Independence of DBTI from exposure parameters could make it a good FoM to benchmark DBT devices. Compared to CT, DBT have less clinical questions, so a single score could provide a reliable estimation of the goodness of the DBT device. Download : Download high-res image (97KB) Download : Download full-size image

72. Digital breast tomosynthesis: Flat panel and photon counting detector comparison

Purpose In this study three digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) devices equipped with different flat panel detectors (FPD) and a prototype equipped with a scan-spectral photon counting detector (PCD) are compared. The aim is to evaluate if a PCD device can guarantee a comparable or even better image quality delivering lower radiation doses than FPD devices. Methods Image quality performances were evaluated exposing two image quality DBT phantoms, Tomophan and Agatha and a homemade phantom for the evaluation of low contrast detectability (LCD). Exposures were performed in automatic exposure control (AEC) mode, both with standard (ST) and high resolution (HR) modality when available. Images with the lowest achievable post-processing were analyzed. Geometric distortion, signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), LCD with the statistical method, in-plane resolution in terms of modulation transfer function (MTF) in scan and sub-scan directions, slice-sensitivity profile (SSP) and artifact spread function (ASF) were evaluated. Results Geometric distortion resulted comparable between PCD and FPD devices. SDNR for PCD was comparable to two of the FDP devices. PCD device showed the best LCD. In-plane resolution was higher for PCD device: FPD devices exhibit a reduction in MTF 10% between 38% and 62%, both in scan and sub-scan direction. SSP evaluation showed comparable results for PCD and one of the FPD devices, while it was up to 60% worse for the others. PCD device showed a slightly worse ASF compared to FPD devices. Delivered dose in AEC with PCD device was 50% lower than doses delivered with FPD devices. Conclusions PCD device ensures a comparable or even better image quality than FPD devices, especially for spatial resolution and detectability of low contrast objects, delivering much lower radiation dose. Photon counting seems to be really an impressive approach to DBT. Download : Download high-res image (129KB) Download : Download full-size image

Automated tube voltage selection in pediatric non-contrast chest CT.

BackgroundModern CT scanners provide automatic dose adjustment systems, which are promising options for reducing radiation dose in pediatric CT scans. Their impact on patient dose, however, has not been investigated sufficiently thus far.ObjectiveTo evaluate automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) in combination with automated tube current modulation (ATCM) in non-contrast pediatric chest CT, with regard to the diagnostic image quality.Materials and methodsThere were 160 non-contrast pediatric chest CT scans (8.7±5.4 years) analyzed retrospectively without and with ATVS. Correlations of volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) and effective diameter, with and without ATVS, were compared using Fisher’s z-transformation. Image quality was assessed by mean signal-difference-to-noise ratios (SDNR) in the aorta and in the left main bronchus using the independent samples t-test. Two pediatric radiologists and a general radiologist rated overall subjective Image quality. Readers’ agreement was assessed using weighted kappa coefficients. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsCTDIvol correlation with the effective diameter was r = 0.62 without and r = 0.80 with ATVS (CI: -0.04 to -0.60; p = 0.025). Mean SDNR was 10.88 without and 10.03 with ATVS (p = 0.0089). Readers’ agreement improved with ATVS (weighted kappa between pediatric radiologists from 0.1 (0.03–0.16) to 0.27 (0.09–0.45) with ATVS; between general and each pediatric radiologist from 0.1 (0.06–0.14) to 0.12 (0.05–0.20), and from 0.22 (0.11–0.34) to 0.36 (0.24–0.49)).ConclusionATVS, combined with ATCM, results in a radiation dose reduction for pediatric non-contrast chest CT without a loss of diagnostic image quality and prevents errors in manual tube voltage setting, and thus protecting larger children against an unnecessarily high radiation exposure.

Comparison of image quality of an abdominal acquisition mode of angiography systems from four major manufacturers

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare image quality of different abdominal acquisition modes under conditions simulating obese patients whose images suffer more from noise and scatter radiation. Images were acquired in clinically used acquisition modes on the static and dynamic phantom for four angiography systems.Methods: A LEGO cart with 34 cm of PMMA and Pro-RTG Fluo18 phantom were used to simulate obese patients. The low-contrast resolution was assessed subjectively by two readers and objectively using signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) and using SDNR to air kerma rate. The line-pair resolution was assessed using the transmitted contrast value for line-pair groups.Results: Systems use different exposure parameters and dose but they differ in postprocessing too. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of noise produced similar results, images produced by systems A and C were noisier than by systems B and D. Highest SDNR was provided by System B, whilst System A produced the lowest values, which were almost the same for objects with different contrast. The image quality was affected mainly by frame lengths and postprocessing, but also by the dose. The images of the static phantom were better compared to the images of the dynamic phantom, which was an expected result.Conclusions: It was possible to identify image quality differences and to characterize features of postprocessing from measurements on standardized objects. A potential for optimization on some systems was identified, although further work, including assessment of clinical images, would be needed as part of the optimization process.

Monochromatic mammography using scanning multilayer X-ray mirrors.

A prototype system for breast imaging using monochromatic X-rays has been developed using a scanning multilayer X-ray mirror in combination with a conventional mammography tube and an imaging detector. The X-ray mirror produces a monochromatic fan beam tuned near 19 keV, with an energy bandpass of approximately 1.5 keV. Rotating the mirror about the tube's focal spot in synchronization with the X-ray generator and detector enables the acquisition of monochromatic X-ray images over large areas. The X-ray mirror also can be rotated completely out of the beam so that conventional polychromatic images can be acquired using a K-edge filter, facilitating direct comparison between the two modes of operation. The system was used to image synthetic, tissue-equivalent breast phantoms in order to experimentally quantify the improvements in image quality and dose that can be realized using monochromatic radiation. Nine custom phantoms spanning a range of thicknesses and glandular/adipose ratios, each containing both glandular- and calcification-equivalent features, were used to measure contrast and signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR). Mean glandular dose (MGD) was computed from measured entrance exposure, and a figure-of-merit (FOM) was computed as FOM = SDNR2/MGD in each case. Monochromatic MGD ranges from 0.606 to 0.134 of polychromatic MGD for images having comparable glandular SDNR, depending on breast thickness and glandularity; relative monochromatic dose decreases with increasing glandularity for all thicknesses. Monochromatic FOM values are higher than the corresponding polychromatic FOM values in all but one case. Additionally, the monochromatic contrast for glandular features is higher than the polychromatic contrast in all but one case as well. These results represent important steps toward the realization of clinically practical monochromatic X-ray breast imaging systems having lower dose and better image quality, including those for digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, contrast-enhanced spectral mammography and other modalities, for safer, more accurate breast cancer detection, diagnosis and staging.

Improvement of early detection of breast cancer through collaborative multi-country efforts: Medical physics component

PurposeThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through a Coordinated Research Project on “Enhancing Capacity for Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer through Imaging”, brought together a group of mammography radiologists, medical physicists and radiographers; to investigate current practices and improve procedures for the early detection of breast cancer by strengthening both the clinical and medical physics components. This paper addresses the medical physics component. MethodsThe countries that participated in the CRP were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Frmr. Yug. Rep. of Macedonia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Slovenia, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Zambia. Ten institutions participated using IAEA quality control protocols in 9 digital and 3 analogue mammography equipment. A spreadsheet for data collection was generated and distributed. Evaluation of image quality was done using TOR MAX and DMAM2 Gold phantoms. ResultsQC results for analogue equipment showed satisfactory results. QC tests performed on digital systems showed that improvements needed to be implemented, especially in thickness accuracy, signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) values for achievable levels, uniformity and modulation transfer function (MTF). Mean glandular dose (MGD) was below international recommended levels for patient radiation protection. Evaluation of image quality by phantoms also indicated the need for improvement. ConclusionsCommon activities facilitated improvement in mammography practice, including training of medical physicists in QC programs and infrastructure was improved and strengthened; networking among medical physicists and radiologists took place and was maintained over time. IAEA QC protocols provided a uniformed approach to QC measurements.

Development of a chest digital tomosynthesis R/F system and implementation of low-dose GPU-accelerated compressed sensing (CS) image reconstruction.

This work describes the hardware and software developments of a prototype chest digital tomosynthesis (CDT) R/F system. The purpose of this study was to validate the developed system for its possible clinical application on low-dose chest tomosynthesis imaging. The prototype CDT R/F system was operated by carefully controlling the electromechanical subsystems through a synchronized interface. Once a command signal was delivered by the user, a tomosynthesis sweep started to acquire 81 projection views (PVs) in a limited angular range of ±20°. Among the full projection dataset of 81 images, several sets of 21 (quarter view) and 41 (half view) images with equally spaced angle steps were selected to represent a sparse view condition. GPU-accelerated and total-variation (TV) regularization strategy-based compressed sensing (CS) image reconstruction was implemented. The imaged objects were a flat-field using a copper filter to measure the noise power spectrum (NPS), a Catphan® CTP682 quality assurance (QA) phantom to measure a task-based modulation transfer function (MTFTask ) of three different cylinders' edge, and an anthropomorphic chest phantom with inserted lung nodules. The authors also verified the accelerated computing power over CPU programming by checking the elapsed time required for the CS method. The resultant absorbed and effective doses that were delivered to the chest phantom from two-view digital radiographic projections, helical computed tomography (CT), and the prototype CDT system were compared. The prototype CDT system was successfully operated, showing little geometric error with fast rise and fall times of R/F x-ray pulse less than 2 and 10 ms, respectively. The in-plane NPS presented essential symmetric patterns as predicted by the central slice theorem. The NPS images from 21 PVs were provided quite different pattern against 41 and 81 PVs due to aliased noise. The voxel variance values which summed all NPS intensities were inversely proportional to the number of PVs, and the CS method gave much lower voxel variance by the factors of 3.97-6.43 and 2.28-3.36 compared to filtered backprojection (FBP) and 20 iterations of simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART). The spatial frequencies of the f50 at which the MTFTask reduced to 50% were 1.50, 1.55, and 1.67 cycles/mm for FBP, SART, and CS methods, respectively, in the case of Bone 20% cylinder using 41 views. A variety of ranges of TV reconstruction parameters were implemented during the CS method and we could observe that the NPS and MTFTask preserved best when the regularization and TV smoothing parameters α and τ were in a range of 0.001-0.1. For the chest phantom data, the signal difference to noise ratios (SDNRs) were higher in the proposed CS scheme images than in the FBP and SART, showing the enhanced rate of 1.05-1.43 for half view imaging. The total averaged reconstruction time during 20 iterations of the CS scheme was 124.68 s, which could match-up a clinically feasible time (<3 min). This computing time represented an enhanced speed 386 times greater than CPU programming. The total amounts of estimated effective doses were 0.12, 0.53 (half view), and 2.56 mSv for two-view radiographs, the prototype CDT system, and helical CT, respectively, showing 4.49 times higher than conventional radiography and 4.83 times lower than a CT exam, respectively. The current work describes the development and performance assessment of both hardware and software for tomosynthesis applications. The authors observed reasonable outcomes by showing a potential for low-dose application in CDT imaging using GPU acceleration.

Spectral imaging using clinical megavoltage beams and a novel multi-layer imager

We assess the feasibility of clinical megavoltage (MV) spectral imaging for material and bone separation with a novel multi-layer imager (MLI) prototype. The MLI provides higher detective quantum efficiency and lower noise than conventional electronic portal imagers. Simulated experiments were performed using a validated Monte Carlo model of the MLI to estimate energy absorption and energy separation between the MLI components. Material separation was evaluated experimentally using solid water and aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and gold (Au) for 2.5 MV, 6 MV and 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) clinical photon beams. An anthropomorphic phantom with implanted gold fiducials was utilized to further demonstrate bone/gold separation. Weighted subtraction imaging was employed for material and bone separation. The weighting factor (w) was iteratively estimated, with the optimal w value determined by minimization of the relative signal difference () and signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) between material (or bone) and the background. Energy separation between layers of the MLI was mainly the result of beam hardening between components with an average energy separation between 34 and 47 keV depending on the x-ray beam energy. The minimum average energy of the detected spectrum in the phosphor layer was 123 keV in the top layer of the MLI with the 2.5 MV beam. The w values that minimized and SDNR for Al, Cu and Au were 0.89, 0.76 and 0.64 for 2.5 MV; for 6 MV FFF, w was 0.98, 0.93 and 0.77 respectively. Bone suppression in the anthropomorphic phantom resulted in improved visibility of the gold fiducials with the 2.5 MV beam. Optimization of the MLI design is required to achieve optimal separation at clinical MV beam energies.

Comparison of analytic and iterative digital tomosynthesis reconstructions for thin slab objects

For digital x-ray tomosynthesis of thin slab objects, we compare the tomographic imaging performances obtained from the filtered backprojection (FBP) and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction (SART) algorithms. The imaging performance includes the in-plane molulation-transfer function (MTF), the signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), and the out-of-plane blur artifact or artifact-spread function (ASF). The MTF is measured using a thin tungsten-wire phantom, and the SDNR and the ASF are measured using a thin aluminum-disc phantom embedded in a plastic cylinder. The FBP shows a better MTF performance than the SART. On the contrary, the SART outperforms the FBP with regard to the SDNR and ASF performances. Detailed experimental results and their analysis results are described in this paper. For a more proper use of digital tomosynthesis technique, this study suggests to use a reconstuction algorithm suitable for application-specific purposes.

Development of image reconstruction algorithm with iterative method using maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) for chest digital tomosynthesis (CDT) X-ray system

Digital tomosynthesis system (DTS) has been increasingly used in chest X-ray imaging with a limited-projection angle image reconstruction method. Image reconstruction methods in chest digital tomosynthesis (CDT) have fundamental impacts on image characteristics. Among these methods, iterative algorithm provides the additional benefits of chest X-ray imaging. However, there is almost no research that maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) method in CDT system. Thus, the purpose of this study was (1) to develop MLEM reconstruction algorithm based on CDT system and (2) to quantitatively compare the image characteristics with respect to the total angular range and iteration number as applied this system. For that purpose, we performed both simulation using MATLAB program and experimental studies. Tomography was performed linearly with a maximum ±30° total angular range and then we acquired Shepp-Logan and PMMA-Aluminum (Al) phantom images using 120 kVp X-ray source for simulation and experiment, respectively. We evaluated and compared the MLEM reconstructed image characteristics using root-mean-square error (RMSE) and signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) with various total angular ranges and iteration numbers. According to the results, we can acquire improved image characteristics as the number of iterations and the number of projections increased. Also, we found optimized iteration number for 20 iteration numbers in our CDT system geometry because there were few changes of image characteristics over 20 iteration numbers. In conclusion, we have presented usefulness and effectiveness of developed CDT image reconstruction algorithm.

Evaluation of automatic dose rate control for flat panel imaging using a spatial frequency domain figure of merit

Current automatic dose rate controls (ADRCs) of dynamic x-ray imaging systems adjust their acquisition parameters in response to changes in patient thickness in order to achieve a constant signal level in the image receptor. This work compares a 3 parameter (3P) ADRC control to a more flexible 5-parameter (5P) method to meet this goal. A phantom composed of 15 composite poly(methyl) methacrylate (PMMA)/aluminium (Al) plates was imaged on a Siemens Artis Q dynamic system using standard 3P and 5P ADRC techniques. Phantom thickness covered a water equivalent thickness (WET) range of 2.5 cm to 37.5 cm. Acquisition parameter settings (tube potential, tube current, pulse length, copper filtration and focus size) and phantom entrance air kerma rate (EAKR) were recorded as the thickness changed. Signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) was measured using a 0.3 mm iron insert centred in the PMMA stack, positioned at the system isocentre. SDNR was then multiplied by modulation transfer function (MTF) based correction factors for focal spot penumbral blurring and motion blurring, to give a spatial frequency dependent parameter, SDNR(u). These MTF correction factors were evaluated for an object motion of 25 mm s−1 and at a spatial frequency of 1.4 mm−1 in the object plane, typical for cardiac imaging. The figure of merit (FOM) was calculated as SDNR(u)²/EAKR for the two ADRC regimes. Using 5P versus 3P technique showed clear improvements over all thicknesses. Averaged over clinically relevant adult WET values (20 cm–37.5 cm), EAKR was reduced by 13% and 27% for fluoroscopy and acquisition modes, respectively, while the SDNR(u) based FOM increased by 16% and 34% for fluoroscopy and acquisition. In conclusion, the generalized FOM, taking into account the influence of focus size and object motion, showed benefit in terms of image quality and patient dose for the 5-parameter control over 3-parameter method for the ADRC programming of dynamic x-ray imaging systems.

A comprehensive model for x-ray projection imaging system efficiency and image quality characterization in the presence of scattered radiation

This work proposes a method for assessing the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of radiographic imaging systems that include both the x-ray detector and the antiscatter device. Cascaded linear analysis of the antiscatter device efficiency (DQEASD) with the x-ray detector DQE is used to develop a metric of system efficiency (DQEsys); the new metric is then related to the existing system efficiency parameters of effective DQE (eDQE) and generalized DQE (gDQE). The effect of scatter on signal transfer was modelled through its point spread function (PSF), leading to an x-ray beam transfer function (BTF) that multiplies with the classical presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) to give the system MTF. Expressions are then derived for the influence of scattered radiation on signal-difference to noise ratio (SDNR) and contrast-detail (c-d) detectability.The DQEsys metric was tested using two digital mammography systems, for eight x-ray beams (four with and four without scatter), matched in terms of effective energy. The model was validated through measurements of contrast, SDNR and MTF for poly(methyl)methacrylate thicknesses covering the range of scatter fractions expected in mammography. The metric also successfully predicted changes in c-d detectability for different scatter conditions. Scatter fractions for the four beams with scatter were established with the beam stop method using an extrapolation function derived from the scatter PSF, and validated through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Low-frequency drop of the MTF from scatter was compared to both theory and MC calculations. DQEsys successfully quantified the influence of the grid on SDNR and accurately gave the break-even object thickness at which system efficiency was improved by the grid. The DQEsys metric is proposed as an extension of current detector characterization methods to include a performance evaluation in the presence of scattered radiation, with an antiscatter device in place.

Towards standardization of x-ray beam filters in digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis: Monte Carlo simulations and analytical modelling

In digital breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography, the x-ray beam filter material and thickness vary between systems. Replacing K-edge filters with Al was investigated with the intent to reduce exposure duration and to simplify system design. Tungsten target x-ray spectra were simulated with K-edge filters (50 µm Rh; 50 µm Ag) and Al filters of varying thickness. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to quantify the x-ray scatter from various filters alone, scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) with compressed breasts, and to determine the radiation dose to the breast. These data were used to analytically compute the signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) at unit (1 mGy) mean glandular dose (MGD) for W/Rh and W/Ag spectra. At SDNR matched between K-edge and Al filtered spectra, the reductions in exposure duration and MGD were quantified for three strategies: (i) fixed Al thickness and matched tube potential in kilovolts (kV); (ii) fixed Al thickness and varying the kV to match the half-value layer (HVL) between Al and K-edge filtered spectra; and, (iii) matched kV and varying the Al thickness to match the HVL between Al and K-edge filtered spectra. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the SPR with and without the breast were not different between Al and K-edge filters. Modelling for fixed Al thickness (700 µm) and kV matched to K-edge filtered spectra, identical SDNR was achieved with 37–57% reduction in exposure duration and with 2–20% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. Modelling for fixed Al thickness (700 µm) and HVL matched by increasing the kV over (0,4) range, identical SDNR was achieved with 62–65% decrease in exposure duration and with 2–24% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. For kV and HVL matched to K-edge filtered spectra by varying Al filter thickness over (700, 880) µm range, identical SDNR was achieved with 23–56% reduction in exposure duration and 2–20% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. These simulations indicate that increased fluence with Al filter of fixed or variable thickness substantially decreases exposure duration while providing for similar image quality with moderate reduction in MGD.

X-ray dose reduction using additional copper filtration for abdominal digital radiography: Evaluation using signal difference-to-noise ratio

PurposeX-ray dose reduction using additional copper filters (Cu-filters) for abdominal general radiography was indicated in a report using a simulation study. We validated the dose reduction effects using a clinical digital radiography system equipped with an indirect-type CsI detector and an automatic Cu-filter insertion function. MethodsThe image qualities were evaluated using signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) for different radiation qualities with and without Cu-filters for a 20-cm acrylic phantom. Acrylic and bone equivalent material plates were used for contrast measurements. The dose reduction using Cu-filters was estimated from the ratios of the SDNR2 values. ResultsFor the same entrance surface dose (ESD), Cu-filters with 0.1- and 0.2-mm thicknesses increased the image quality as evaluated by SDNR2 and the estimated dose reduction without degrading the image quality. For the acrylic contrast, the dose reductions with the 0.1- and 0.2-mm-thick Cu-filters were approximately 30% and 44% at 70kV and 29% and 35% at 80kV, respectively. For the bone contrast, the reduction rates were slightly reduced. ConclusionsWe validated the dose reduction capability of additional Cu-filters without degrading the image quality for abdominal radiography. The estimated entrance surface dose reductions of the Cu-filters were approximately 30–40% and 20–30% for the acrylic and bone contrasts, respectively, and effective dose reductions for acrylic were nearly half of those for ESD. At these reduced dose conditions, the current time product values needed to be increased by factors of 1.4 and 1.8 for the 0.1- and 0.2-mm-thick Cu-filters, respectively.

Evaluating the Affect of Tube Current’s on Different Dental Material Artifacts in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Using Signal Difference to Noise Ratio Index

Objectives: Artifacts from various dental materials are a disturbing factor which reduces the quality of images obtained from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tube current on dental material artifacts in CBCT imaging. To assess the amount of artifacts, signal difference to noise ratio indicator was used. Materials and Methods: In this study, twenty widely-used dental materials were used. The samples were scanned with Soredex SCANORA 3D at two different tube current of 5 and 10 mA while all other conditions remained constant. Using the On-Demand 3D Application software, the circular areas were selected as the region of interest (ROI) at 1, 2 and 4 mm from the edge of the object’s image. In each of these ROI areas, information about mean gray value was obtained and signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) was calculated. Data regarding two scanning conditions were compared using the Wilcoxon statistical analysis. Results: Regardless of the type of material at 5 mA, SDNR at distances of 1, 2 and 4 mm were +3.6797, -1.2901, and -2.8608, respectively. SDNR at 10 mA scanning at a distance of 1, 2 and 4 mm were +3.2363, -1.1889, and -1.1844, respectively. SDNR for all materials at 5 and 10 mA scanning condition were -0.1570, and +0.2877, respectively and according to the Wilcoxon test there was significant difference (P value = 0.026). Conclusions: By varying tube current from 5 to 10 mA, SDNR index, and regardless of the type of material, the distance and direction increased. This increase reflects the reduction of artifacts from various dental materials following increase in tube current.

Digital breast tomosynthesis: Dose and image quality assessment

The aim of this work was to evaluate how different acquisition geometries and reconstruction parameters affect the performance of four digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems (Senographe Essential – GE, Mammomat Inspiration – Siemens, Selenia Dimensions – Hologic and Amulet Innovality – Fujifilm) on the basis of a physical characterization.Average Glandular Dose (AGD) and image quality parameters such as in-plane/in-depth resolution, signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) and artefact spread function (ASF) were examined.Measured AGD values resulted below EUREF limits for 2D imaging. A large variability was recorded among the investigated systems: the mean dose ratio DBT/2D ranged between 1.1 and 1.9.In-plane resolution was in the range: 2.2mm−1–3.8mm−1 in chest wall-nipple direction. A worse resolution was found for all devices in tube travel direction.In-depth resolution improved with increasing scan angle but was also affected by the choice of reconstruction and post-processing algorithms. The highest z-resolution was provided by Siemens (50°, FWHM=2.3mm) followed by GE (25°, FWHM=2.8mm), while the Fujifilm HR showed the lowest one, despite its wide scan angle (40°, FWHM=4.1mm).The ASF was dependent on scan angle: smaller range systems showed wider ASF curves; however a clear relationship was not found between scan angle and ASF, due to the different post processing and reconstruction algorithms.SDNR analysis, performed on Fujifilm system, demonstrated that pixel binning improves detectability for a fixed dose/projection.In conclusion, we provide a performance comparison among four DBT systems under a clinical acquisition mode.

Algorithm for quantification of pulmonary sequelae in chest X-ray

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest infectious diseases in the world. Even after effective treatment, TB leaves pulmonary sequela that compromises patients’ life quality. Sequelae evaluations are usually performed subjectively through chest X-ray radiographs. While new treatments for TB are being developed, the necessary tools for monitoring patients in treatment and quantification of the sequelae remain limited. Purpose The main purpose was to objectively quantify the pulmonary impairment pre- and post-treatment of patients with pulmonary TB through an computational algorithm. Materials and methods We used 20 X-ray exams, pre- and post-treatment of 10 patients with TB. Lung area and affected regions were manually segmented in both postero-anterior (PA) and profile projections. We selected regions-of-interest in both affected and normal regions and obtained by the Signal Difference to Noise Ratio (SDNR). Values of SDNR were related to the relative thickness of lung affected in CT scans. Thus the algorithm used this relationship to estimate the relative thickness of pulmonary impairment from X-ray exams PA projection. Results We observed a mean pulmonary impairment of 5.21% (±3.35) before treatment and 1.26% (±0.72) after treatment. This shows a reduction of 72.54% between pre- and post-treatment. Conclusion The computational algorithm allows the quantification of pulmonary impairment through chest X-ray radiographs. Detection and quantification aided by computer systems is of great importance for reliable assessment of pulmonary involvement, assisting radiologists in the diagnosis. Future studies will help the choice of the correct treatment for TB patients. Disclosure The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Dynamic tracking of prosthetic valve motion and deformation from bi-plane x-ray views: feasibility study.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) requires navigation and deployment of a prosthetic valve within the aortic annulus under fluoroscopic guidance. To support improved device visualization in this procedure, this study investigates the feasibility of frame-by-frame 3D reconstruction of a moving and expanding prosthetic valve structure from simultaneous bi-plane x-ray views. In the proposed method, a dynamic 3D model of the valve is used in a 2D/3D registration framework to obtain a reconstruction of the valve. For each frame, valve model parameters describing position, orientation, expansion state, and deformation are iteratively adjusted until forward projections of the model match both bi-plane views. Simulated bi-plane imaging of a valve at different signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) levels was performed to test the approach. 20 image sequences with 50 frames of valve deployment were simulated at each SDNR. The simulation achieved a target registration error (TRE) of the estimated valve model of 0.93 ± 2.6 mm (mean ± S.D.) for the lowest SDNR of 2. For higher SDNRs (5 to 50) a TRE of 0.04 mm ± 0.23 mm was achieved. A tabletop phantom study was then conducted using a TAVR valve. The dynamic 3D model was constructed from high resolution CT scans and a simple expansion model. TRE was 1.22 ± 0.35 mm for expansion states varying from undeployed to fully deployed, and for moderate amounts of inter-frame motion. Results indicate that it is feasible to use bi-plane imaging to recover the 3D structure of deformable catheter devices.