[ROC analysis in post-processing of image data in digital thoracic radiography].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the extent to which digital luminescence radiography (DLR) can be used for the imaging of pulmonary nodules and interstitial lung disease in chest radiography without any loss of image quality. Additionally: to examine whether post-processing of image data can optimise the recognizability of varied image details.


METHODS
Detail perceptibility studies were performed on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom with simulated nodules and small linear and reticular details. Under standard conditions, digital luminescence radiographs were obtained in 7 different image modes, and these were compared with a 200-speed screen-film system. The detection of these systems was evaluated in an ROC analysis on the basis of 19,200 individual observations.


RESULTS
Edge enhancement or application of high-frequency-enhancing small filter kernels (S 5) slightly improves the detection of linear structures; however, the illustration of nodular details is markedly reduced. Larger filter kernels (S 20, S 40) make a definitive detection possible--not only of circular, but also of linear details.


CONCLUSIONS
Storage phosphor radiographs are equal to the tested analog screen-film-system. The optimization of post-processing can be helpful in the prevention of routine multiple documentations.
Müller
R D
RD
Zentralinstitut für Röntgendiagnostik des Universitätsklinikums-GHS Essen.
Hirche
H
H
Voss
M
M
Buddenbrock
B
B
John
V
V
Gocke
P
P
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008961:Models, Structural; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012372:ROC Curve; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods*
ROC-Analyse zur Bildnachverarbeitung digitaler Thoraxaufnahmen.