The influence of different technique factors on image quality of lumbar spine radiographs as evaluated by established CEC image criteria.

Abstract

In this study we have investigated the image quality of lumbar spine radiographs taken after recording technical and physical parameters. Two technical parameters were altered, tube voltage (70 kV and 90 kV for the anteroposterior (AP) projection and 77 kV and 95 kV for the lateral projection) and sensitivity of the film-screen system (sensitivity class 400 and 600). In total, 85 images were included in the study. Entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured using thermoluminescent dosemeters. The mean value of ESD for the different technique groups varied between 1.9 mGy (90 kV, sensitivity class 400) and 4.6 mGy (70 kV, sensitivity class 400) for the AP projection, and between 6.4 mGy (95 kV, sensitivity class 600) and 20.4 mGy (70 kV, sensitivity class 400) for the lateral projection. Image criteria given in the "European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Radiographic Images" were used to assess image quality. Two evaluation methods have been employed. A straightforward scoring of fulfilled image criteria, and visual grading analysis using the structures defined in the image criteria. The latter method provided a sharper distinction between groups of images taken using different radiographic techniques. The average number of fulfilled image criteria for the AP projections varied between 0.74 (90 kV, sensitivity class 400) and 0.87 (70 kV, sensitivity class 400). For the lateral projection this number varied between 0.79 (95 kV, sensitivity class 600) and 0.84 (77 kV, sensitivity class 600). This study shows that image criteria are useful tools in clinical studies of image quality.

Optimization of image quality and patient dose in radiographs of paediatric extremities using direct digital radiography

“…It is widely accepted that true optimization is best achieved using task-based measures of IQ. [27][28][29] There are a wide variety of examples of studies in the literature utilizing similar qualitative clinical IQ assessment methodologies to that outlined in this article, [30][31][32] and it is considered to be likely that the conclusions of this article correlate with the results that would have been seen had a task-based approach been possible.…”

Digital radiography: optimization of image quality and dose using multi-frequency software

“…To summarize, the dose parameter was the only statistically significant factor for all readers. Table 3 Points used for scoring of image quality by means of a relative visual grading analysis [20] −2…”

“…VGA is a way of quantifying subjective image analysis, allowing effective quantitative studies, even for large numbers of images [20,21]. Relative VGA was measured by comparing the reduced-dose images processed with MLT(S) to a reference image processed with MLT (M).…”

New Developed DR Detector Performs Radiographs of Hand, Pelvic and Premature Chest Anatomies at a Lower Radiation Dose and/or a Higher Image Quality

“…VGA is a way of quantifying subjective image quality allowing for quantitative studies, even for large amounts of images [21,22]. The relative VGA was conducted by comparing all experimental images with a reference image produced using the previous detector model from Canon, CXDI-55C.…”