scholarly journals Reduction of radiation exposure in scoliosis monitoring using flat detector and pulsed fluoroscopy technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-552
Author(s):  
Christian Walter ◽  
Juergen F Schaefer ◽  
Ilias Tsiflikas
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Clinical Use ◽  
Optimal Parameters ◽  
Flat Detector ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reduce Radiation Exposure ◽  
Scoliosis Treatment

A new flat detector and pulsed fluoroscopy technology is available to further reduce radiation exposure in radiological monitoring during scoliosis treatment in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to compare different settings of the system (opening area(OA) and image quality settings (IQS)) in order to find the optimal parameters with high image quality and the lowest possible radiation exposure. Therefore, we examined four cadaver spines (T1 to sacrum) with the flat detector technique using digital pulsed fluoroscopy and simulated the abdominal soft tissues. The images were merged and evaluated by three different investigators using an established scoring system. For comparison, we used digital radiography images of the cadaver spines. The values for the DAP increased from the small OA (33% ; 0.56 µGy·m²) to the maximum OA (100% ; 0.82 µGy·m²) by 45% (p = .003) and from the low image quality setting (0.57 µGy·m²) to the high setting (0.84 µGy·m²) by 48% (p = .028). Despite the low DAP, the setting 33% OA achieved the best point values for image quality, therefore this setting is clearly preferred. Using a digital fluoroscopy system allows a significant reduction of radiation exposure by a factor of 7.5 (3.88µGy·m² to 0.5µGy·m²) compared to slot- scanning x-ray (EOS). Due to this success, the flat detector and pulsed fluoroscopy technology can be an alternative to established methods such as X-ray and EOS in clinical use.

scholarly journals Is a further reduction of radiation exposure in scoliosis monitoring achievable using flat detector and pulsed fluoroscopy technology? - A feasibility study on human specimen

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Walter ◽  
Juergen F. Schaefer ◽  
Ilias Tsiflikas
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Pediatric Radiologist ◽  
Flat Detector ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Dose Area Product ◽  
Observer Reliability ◽  
Whole Spine

Abstract Background: In the case of scoliosis therapy, frequent radiological monitoring of the spine is necessary. However, x-ray requires high radiation doses; therefore digital pulsed fluoroscopy with flat detector technique can be used alternatively. The latest developments in this technology lead to further dose reduction with an improved image quality. To evaluate the new system, we asked if there is a difference in dose area product (DAP) concerning the opening area (OA) and image quality settings (IQS). Further we wanted to investigate the inter-observer reliability using an established scoring system and correlate the DAP with the point value. Methods Therefore, we examined 4 cadaver spines (T1 to sacrum) with the flat detector technique using digital pulsed fluoroscopy and simulated the abdominal soft tissues with water bags. The images were merged calculating whole spine images from several digital single images and evaluated by 3 different investigators (spine surgeon, experienced pediatric radiologist, assistant physician) using an established scoring system. For comparison and validation of our model, we used digital radiography images of the cadaver spines. Results The values for the DAP increased from the small OA (33%; 0.56 µGy·m²) to the maximum OA (100%; 0.82 µGy·m²) by 45% (p = .003) and from low IQS (0.57 µGy·m²) to high IQS (0.84 µGy·m²) by 48% (p = .028). The inter-observer reliability was strong (3 vs. 1: ρ = .818; 3 vs. 2: ρ = .742; 2 vs. 1: ρ = .586; p <.001), but there was no correlation between DAP and point value (ρ = -.053, p = .588). Despite the low DAP, the setting 33% OA achieved the best point values, therefore this setting is preferred. Conclusions Using a digital fluoroscopy system allows a significant reduction of radiation exposure for whole spine images by a factor of 7.5 (3.88 µGy·m² to 0.5 µGy·m²) compared to slot-scanning x-ray (EOS).

scholarly journals Establishing a quality assurance baseline for radiological protection of patients undergoing diagnostic radiology

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey K Korir ◽  
Jeska Sidika Wambani ◽  
Ian K Korir
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Patient Dose ◽  
Radiological Protection ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Speed Film

Background. The wide use of ionising radiation in medical care has resulted in the largest man-made cause of radiation exposure. In recent years, diagnostic departments in Kenya have adapted the high-speed film/screen combination without well-established quality control, objective image quality criteria, and assessment of patient dose. The safety of patients in terms of justification and the as-low-as-reasonably-achievable (ALARA) principle is inadequate without quality assurance measures. Aim. This study assessed the level of film rejects, device performance, image quality and patient dose in 4 representative hospitals using high-speed film/screen combination. Results. The X-ray equipment quality control tests performance range was 67% to 90%, and 63% of the radiographs were of good diagnostic value. The measured prevalent chest examination entrance surface dose (ESD) showed levels above the international diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), while lumbar spine and pelvis examination was the largest source of radiation exposure to patients. Conclusion. The optimisation of patient protection can be achieved with optimally performing X-ray equipment, the application of good radiographic technique, and continuous assessment of radiographic image quality.

scholarly journals Reducing radiation exposure in newborns with birth head trauma

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-30
Author(s):  
Irina A. Kriukova ◽  
Evgeniy Y. Kriukov ◽  
Danil A. Kozyrev ◽  
Semen A. Sotniкov ◽  
Dmitriy A. Iova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Head Trauma ◽  
Bone Structure ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Cranial Bone ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reduce Radiation Exposure ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Background. Birth head trauma causing intracranial injury is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. In case of suspected cranial fractures and intracranial hematomas, diagnostic methods involving radiation, such as x-ray radiography and computed tomography, are recommended. Recently, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the risk of cancer complications associated with computed tomography in infants. Therefore, diagnostic methods that reduce radiation exposure in neonates are important. One such method is ultrasonography (US). Aim. We evaluated US as a non-ionizing radiation method for diagnosis of cranial bone fractures and epidural hematomas in newborns with cephalohematomas or other birth head traumas. Material and methods. The study group included 449 newborns with the most common variant of birth head trauma: cephalohematomas. All newborns underwent transcranial-transfontanelle US for detection of intracranial changes and cranial US for visualization of bone structure in the cephalohematoma region. Children with ultrasonic signs of cranial fractures and epidural hematomas were further examined at a children’s hospital by x-ray radiography and/or computed tomography. Results and discussion. We found that cranial US for diagnosis of cranial fractures and transcranial-transfontanelle US for diagnosis of epidural hematomas in newborns were highly effective. In newborns with parietal cephalohematomas (444 children), 17 (3.8%) had US signs of linear fracture of the parietal bone, and 5 (1.1%) had signs of ipsilateral epidural hematoma. Epidural hematomas were visualized only when US was performed through the temporal bone and not by using the transfontanelle approach. Sixteen cases of linear fractures and all epidural hematomas were confirmed by computed tomography. Conclusion. The use of US diagnostic methods reduced radiation exposure in newborns with birth head trauma. US methods (transcranial-transfontanelle and cranial) can be used in screening for diagnosis and personalized monitoring of changes in birth head trauma as well as to reduce radiation exposure.

Preliminary evaluation of transmission x-ray tube system with a flat-detector DR system: image quality and dose reduction

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard Berliner ◽  
Kui-Ming Chen ◽  
Shenq-Rong Hwang ◽  
Alfonso Buffa ◽  
Martin Darms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Dose Reduction ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Tube System ◽  
Flat Detector ◽  
X Ray

scholarly journals Cone Beam CT Imaging of the Paranasal Region with a Multipurpose X-ray System—Image Quality and Radiation Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 5876
Author(s):  
Sabine Ohlmeyer ◽  
Marc Saake ◽  
Thomas Buder ◽  
Matthias May ◽  
Michael Uder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Effective Dose ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Slice Thickness ◽  
Surgery Planning ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Dose Levels

Besides X-ray and fluoroscopy, a previously introduced X-ray scanner offers a 3D cone beam option (Multitom Rax, Siemens Healthcare). The aim of this study was to evaluate various scan parameters and post-processing steps to optimize image quality and radiation exposure for imaging of the parasinus region. Four human cadaver heads were examined with different tube voltages (90–121 kV), dose levels (DLs) (278–2180 nGy) and pre-filtration methods (none, Cu 0.2 mm, Cu 0.3 mm and Sn 0.4 mm). All images were reconstructed in 2 mm slice thickness with and without a metal artifact reduction algorithm in three different kernels. In total, 80 different scan protocols and 480 datasets were evaluated. Image quality was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Radiation exposure (mean computed tomography volume index (CTDIvol) and effective dose) was calculated for each scan. The most dose-effective combination for the diagnosis of sinusitis was 121 kV/DL of 278/0.3 mm copper (CTDIvol 1.70 mGy, effective dose 77 µSv). Scan protocols with 121 kV/DL1090/0.3 mm copper were rated sufficient for preoperative sinus surgery planning (CTDIvol 4.66 mGy, effective dose 212 µSv). Therefore, sinusitis and preoperative sinus surgery planning can be performed in diagnostic image quality at low radiation dose levels with a multipurpose X-ray system.

scholarly journals X-Ray Scatter Correction on Soft Tissue Images for Portable Cone Beam CT

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorapong Aootaphao ◽  
Saowapak S. Thongvigitmanee ◽  
Jartuwat Rajruangrabin ◽  
Chalinee Thanasupsombat ◽  
Tanapon Srivongsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Scatter Correction ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Ct Number ◽  
Low Contrast ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cupping Artifacts ◽  
The Brain

Soft tissue images from portable cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners can be used for diagnosis and detection of tumor, cancer, intracerebral hemorrhage, and so forth. Due to large field of view, X-ray scattering which is the main cause of artifacts degrades image quality, such as cupping artifacts, CT number inaccuracy, and low contrast, especially on soft tissue images. In this work, we propose the X-ray scatter correction method for improving soft tissue images. The X-ray scatter correction scheme to estimate X-ray scatter signals is based on the deconvolution technique using the maximum likelihood estimation maximization (MLEM) method. The scatter kernels are obtained by simulating the PMMA sheet on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) software. In the experiment, we used the QRM phantom to quantitatively compare with fan-beam CT (FBCT) data in terms of CT number values, contrast to noise ratio, cupping artifacts, and low contrast detectability. Moreover, the PH3 angiography phantom was also used to mimic human soft tissues in the brain. The reconstructed images with our proposed scatter correction show significant improvement on image quality. Thus the proposed scatter correction technique has high potential to detect soft tissues in the brain.

scholarly journals Image Quality Assessment and Radiation exposure in Intra Oral Dental Radiography

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hamed Nassef
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Radiation Dosimetry ◽  
Image Quality Assessment ◽  
Visual Image ◽  
Digital Processing ◽  
Exposure Dose ◽  
Dental Radiography ◽  
X Ray

In this study, an intra oral dental unit (Siemens-70) at King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) Dental Hospital was selected and investigated for visual image quality assessment and radiation protection purposes. Radiation dosimetry for determining the optimum image quality with the lowest radiation exposure to the patient was carried out. A DXTTR dental radiography trainer phantom head and neck, portable survey meter Model RAD EYE-B20, and radiation dosimetry system RADCAL Acuu-pro were used in this study. RADCAL Accu-pro is a non-invasive kV system, reliable instruments to measure and diagnose all X-ray machines including dental units. The radiation exposure to patients in (mGy) was measured using RADCAL ionization chamber Model 10×6-6. The best image quality with the lowest exposure dose was assessed for conventional intraoral X-ray film (Kodak type E) and the digital processing sensor (RVG 5200). Radiation survey level was done during this study for safety and protection purposes.

Comparative analysis of sample preparation protocols of soft biological tissues for morphometric studies using synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 2013-2023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Sato Baraldi Dias ◽  
Dionísio Pedro Amorim Neto ◽  
Giovanni Lenzi Baraldi ◽  
Matheus de Castro Fonseca
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Critical Point ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
High Resolution Imaging ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Paraffin Embedding ◽  
Critical Point Drying ◽  
Resolution Imaging

The spread of microtomography as a tool for visualization of soft tissues has had a significant impact on a better understanding of complex biological systems. This technique allows a detailed three-dimensional quantitative view of the specimen to be obtained, correlating its morphological organization with its function, providing valuable insights on the functionality of the tissue. Regularly overlooked, but of great importance, proper sample mounting and preparation are fundamental for achieving the highest possible image quality even for the high-resolution imaging systems currently under development. Here, a quantitative analysis compares some of the most common sample-mounting strategies used for synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography of soft tissues: alcoholic-immersion, paraffin-embedding and critical-point drying. These three distinct sample-mounting strategies were performed on the same specimen in order to investigate their impact on sample morphology regardless of individual sample variation. In that sense, the alcoholic-immersion strategy, although causing less shrinkage to the tissue, proved to be the most unsuitable approach for a high-throughput high-resolution imaging experiment due to sample drifting. Also, critical-point drying may present some interesting advantages regarding image quality but is also incompatible with a high-throughput experiment. Lastly, paraffin-embedding is shown to be the most suitable strategy for current soft tissue microtomography experiments. Such detailed analysis of biological sample-mounting strategies for synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography are expected to offer valuable insights on the best approach for using this technique for 3D imaging of soft tissues and following morphometric analysis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document