A universal phantom suitable for quality assurance on X-ray imaging modalities

Imaging has always been a key component in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis as part of the modified New York criteria. With the increased availability of MRI and the development of the ASAS axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) criteria, there has been a shift from x-ray imaging of structural damage to MRI imaging of inflammation. This information can help in both the diagnosis of axSpA and in guiding treatment decisions in patients with this diagnosis. However, imaging results must be evaluated in the context of the clinical picture and should not be acted on in isolation. Here we review the key imaging modalities used in axSpA, with the main focus on x-rays and MRI of the sacroiliac joints, spine, and peripheral structures. Advances in technology are also likely to lead to the development of even better imaging modalities for axSpA in future.

Download Full-text

Good Clinical Practice and Audits for Dual X-ray Absorptiometry and X-ray Imaging Laboratories and Quality Assurance Centers Involved in Clinical Drug Trials, Private Practice, and Research

Journal of Clinical Densitometry ◽

10.1385/jcd:1:4:323 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 323-337 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Barbara A. Blunt ◽

DeJane Jones ◽

Russell K. Svensen ◽

Didier B. Hans ◽

Joel D. Feinblatt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Assurance ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Private Practice ◽

Good Clinical Practice ◽

Drug Trials ◽

X Ray ◽

X Ray Imaging ◽

Clinical Drug Trials ◽

Clinical Drug

Download Full-text

LOCALIZATION AND IMAGE QUALITY OF SPIRAL GOLD MARKERS USING DIFFERENT X-RAY IMAGING MODALITIES IN RADIATION THERAPY

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology ◽

10.1142/s0219519408002632 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 08 (02) ◽

pp. 227-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D. O. ODERO ◽

J. R. HARTLEY ◽

D. S. SHIMM

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Image Quality ◽

Imaging Modalities ◽

Internal Target ◽

Internal Organs ◽

X Ray ◽

X Ray Imaging ◽

Target Organs ◽

Radiopaque Markers

It is important to deliver radiation to treatment targets with accuracy. Typically, patients are positioned using marks on the surface of the skin. However, without imaging procedures, there is no information about the location of mobile internal organs and targets. The use of implanted radiopaque markers can help localize internal target organs using imaging modalities. Quality assurance procedures have been performed on commercially available spiral gold markers to determine their location and image quality. The results obtained from different, least essential imaging modalities employed in radiation therapy showed that these markers are not as clearly visible on radiographs as compared to the modalities with electronic output formats. The image quality was also poorer on megavoltage as compared to kilovoltage X-ray imaging modalities.

Download Full-text