title: Comparative image aspects of radiography and computed tomography.
abstract: Fundamental image descriptors, including contrast, noise, and resolution, were appropriate for computed tomography. These variables were then used to predict limiting system performance as applied to a model for detection of simple tumor-like signals in a homogeneous surround. The results predict that any intrinsic physical advantages of computed tomography may be restricted to a fairly narrow range of tumor diameters, from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, depending on the relative dose levels and scatter levels present in each imaging system. The results indicate high probable yield for radiographic image manipulation involving independent or, preferably, mutual manipulation of scatter levels, contrast enhancement, kVp techniques, and subtraction techniques, where applied to reduce the highly structured backgrounds that can increase the complexity of diagnosis.
mesh_terms: D007257:Information Theory; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D011859:Radiography; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed