Evaluation of a new low-dose digital x-ray device: first dosimetric and clinical results in children.
BACKGROUND
A new low-dose digital X-ray device, based on Charpak's Nobel prize-winning multiwire chamber, enables the production of images at very low doses. Objectives. To present the first dosimetric and clinical results.


METHODS
The analysis was performed on 93 children with scoliosis and 47 undergoing pelvic radiography. The comparative study between conventional X-ray and the new technique focused on three points: (1) the dose delivered by each system (2) the diagnostic information provided by each system and (3) comparison of image quality criteria with European guidelines.


RESULTS
The mean ratio of conventional dose to that of the low-dose technique was 13.1 for the spinal examination and 18.8 for the pelvis. There was no significant difference in diagnostic information available from each modality, but there was a slight difference in quality criteria in favour of the conventional technique.


CONCLUSIONS
This new device allows spectacular dose reduction, consistent with adequate clinical information. Improvements of the prototype will lead to extension of potential indications and industrial development.
Kalifa
G
G
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Saint-Vincent de Paul, F-75 674 Paris Cedex 14, France.
Charpak
Y
Y
Maccia
C
C
Fery-Lemonnier
E
E
Bloch
J
J
Boussard
J M
JM
Attal
M
M
Dubousset
J
J
Adamsbaum
C
C
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging