The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of digital tomosynthesis (DT) for pediatric facial bone imaging. We
compared the eye lens dose and diagnostic image quality of DT facial bone exams relative to digital radiography (DR)
and computed tomography (CT), and investigated whether we could modify our current DT imaging protocol to reduce
patient dose while maintaining sufficient diagnostic image quality. We measured the dose to the eye lens for all three
modalities using high-sensitivity thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and an anthropomorphic skull phantom. To
assess the diagnostic image quality of DT compared to the corresponding DR and CT images, we performed an observer
study where the visibility of anatomical structures in the DT phantom images were rated on a four-point scale. We then
acquired DT images at lower doses and had radiologists indicate whether the visibility of each structure was adequate for
diagnostic purposes. For typical facial bone exams, we measured eye lens doses of 0.1-0.4 mGy for DR, 0.3-3.7 mGy for
DT, and 26 mGy for CT. In general, facial bone structures were visualized better with DT then DR, and the majority of
structures were visualized well enough to avoid the need for CT. DT imaging provides high quality diagnostic images of
the facial bones while delivering significantly lower doses to the lens of the eye compared to CT. In addition, we found
that by adjusting the imaging parameters, the DT effective dose can be reduced by up to 50% while maintaining
sufficient image quality.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic quality of digital tomosynthesis (DT) images for pediatric
imaging of the spine. We performed a phantom image rating study to assess the visibility of anatomical spinal structures
in DT images relative to digital radiography (DR) and computed tomography (CT). We collected DT and DR images of
the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine using anthropomorphic phantoms. Four pediatric radiologists and two residents
rated the visibility of structures on the DT image sets compared to DR using a four point scale (0 = not visible; 1 =
visible; 2 = superior to DR; 3 = excellent, CT unnecessary). In general, the structures in the spine received ratings
between 1 and 3 (cervical), or 2 and 3 (thoracic, lumbar), with a few mixed scores for structures that are usually difficult
to see on diagnostic images, such as vertebrae near the cervical-thoracic joint and the apophyseal joints of the lumbar
spine. The DT image sets allow most critical structures to be visualized as well or better than DR. When DR imaging is
inconclusive, DT is a valuable tool to consider before sending a pediatric patient for a higher-dose CT exam.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.