Chest computed tomography display preferences. Survey of thoracic radiologists.
OBJECTIVE
The authors conducted a survey of dedicated thoracic radiologists and tabulated their preferences for reconstruction algorithm, display, and photography of computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest.


METHODS
Data were derived from a mail survey of 343 active members of the Society of Thoracic Radiology and based on a set of 20 questions about the display and photography of chest CT scans. The response rate was 35.4%.


RESULTS
There were 119 usable replies from 31 states and 8 countries. Although there was considerable variation, the questionnaire indicates that the "typical" dedicated thoracic radiologist, regardless of practice setting, uses a standard reconstruction algorithm for chest CT and prints images on a laser imager using the "sharp" setting with a 12-on-1 format. Window settings for evaluating the lung are window-width 1500 HU and window-level -600 HU. Window settings for evaluating the mediastinum are window-width 350 HU and window-level 40 HU.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there is wide variation in the preferences used to display and photograph chest CT scans, most thoracic radiologists have similar display preferences.
Stern
E J
EJ
Department of Radiology (ZA-65), Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle 98104, USA.
Frank
M S
MS
Godwin
J D
JD
D000465:Algorithms; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003626:Data Display; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007834:Lasers; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010781:Photography; D011364:Professional Practice; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D011871:Radiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed