title: Unsharp masking of low-dosed digital luminescence radiographs: results of a receiver operating characteristics analysis.
abstract: The extent to which the diagnostic performance of low-dosed storage phosphors can be improved by suitable image postprocessing was investigated. Storage phosphor radiographs and conventional 200- and 400-speed screen-film combinations of an anthropomorphic chest phantom with simulated nodules and linear structures were compared. The detection of test bodies was determined in a ROC analysis based on 16200 individual observations. The two analog screen-film systems did not differ significantly. As far as the storage phosphor radiographs are concerned, a higher diagnostic performance was achieved with a large filter kernel (S 40) whereas small filter kernels and edge-enhanced imaging modes reduced the detection of detail. The image quality of low-dosed storage phosphors is thus similar to high-amplification screen-film combinations if large filter kernels are used in postprocessing of the image.
authors.affiliation: Central Radiological Diagnostic Institute, University Hospital Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Voss
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hirche
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Buddenbrock
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bosch
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D003300:Copper; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D015588:Observer Variation; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D010969:Plastics; D012372:ROC Curve; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects; D014962:X-Ray Film; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D010969:Plastics; D003300:Copper