Comparison of image quality and radiation dose between an image-intensifier system and a newer-generation flat-panel detector system — technical phantom measurements and evaluation of clinical imaging in children.
Pediatr Radiol 2016;
46:286-92. [PMID:
26481334 DOI:
10.1007/s00247-015-3456-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Many image-intensifier fluoroscopy systems have been replaced by flat-panel detectors in recent years.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the level of contrast, image resolution and radiation dose between an image-intensifier and a newer-generation flat-panel detector system in a pediatric radiology unit.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We compared two systems — a conventional image intensifier and a newer-generation flat-panel system. We measured image quality and radiation dose using a technical phantom. Additionally, we retrospectively compared age-matched fluoroscopic pediatric voiding cystourethrography (n = 15) and upper gastrointestinal investigations (n = 25).
RESULTS
In phantom studies image contrast was equal while image resolution was higher and mean radiation dose lower using the flat-panel system (P < 0.0001). In pediatric investigations, mean dose area product was significantly reduced on the flat-panel system for upper gastrointestinal investigation (45 ± 38 μGy*m2 vs. 11 ± 9 μGy*m2; P < 0.0001) and for voiding cystourethrography (18 ± 20 μGy*m2 vs. 10 ± 12 μGy*m2; P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION
The newer flat-panel system performs at lower dose levels with equal to better image quality and therefore seems to be the more suitable technique for pediatric fluoroscopy in comparison to image-intensifier systems.
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