Observer evaluation of scatter subtraction for digital portable chest radiographs.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors compared standard digital portable chest radiographs (DPCXR) to scatter-subtracted DPCXR: METHODS: Thirty DPCXR were obtained using a photostimulable phosphor digital imaging system and a posterior beam stop (PBS) technique that allowed measurement of the scatter component of the DPCXR: The scatter component was subtracted from the clinical image to form a scatter-subtracted image. Six observers recorded preference for the standard image or scatter-subtracted image for identifying five radiographic landmarks and for image quality. RESULTS: A statistically significant preference was demonstrated for the scatter-subtracted images and for viewing the tracheo-bronchial tree, right paratracheal stripe, vertebral column, and support apparatus position. For unprocessed images, there was a statistically significant preference for viewing the pulmonary vasculature. No statistically significant preference was demonstrated for overall image quality. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PBS scatter subtraction holds promise for improving visualization of structures in high-scatter regions of chest radiographs.

Duke Scholars

Author Joseph Yuan-Chieh Lo Radiology

Author Jay Alan Baker Radiology, Breast Imaging

Author Carl Eric Ravin Radiology, Cardiothoracic Imaging