title: Low-dose digital computed radiography in pediatric chest imaging.
abstract: A prototype digital computed radiographic imaging system that uses laser-stimulated luminescence was evaluated for its ability to achieve reproducible, high-detail, low-dose pediatric chest radiographs. Using this system, we performed a total of 401 examinations in infants and children, and achieved an 85% reduction in radiation dose, as compared with that delivered when film-screen techniques were used. We also achieved satisfactory image resolution, and the images obtained were of acceptable diagnostic quality. A direct comparison of analog and digital radiographs showed that comparable quality and clinical acceptability could be readily maintained between the two techniques. This study shows that high-quality images can be produced by this system at radiation doses reduced by 85% when compared with doses from standard radiographic techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kogutt
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Perkins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007223:Infant; D007834:Lasers; D049449:Luminescence; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens