Homogeneous Canine Chest Phantom Construction: A Tool for Image Quality Optimization.
Digital radiographic imaging is increasing in veterinary practice. The use of radiation demands responsibility to maintain high image quality. Low doses are necessary because workers are requested to restrain the animal. Optimizing digital systems is necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure, causing the phenomenon known as dose creep. Homogeneous phantoms are widely used to optimize image quality and dose. We developed an automatic computational methodology to classify and quantify tissues (i.e., lung tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, and bone) in canine chest computed tomography exams. The thickness of each tissue was converted to simulator materials (i.e., Lucite, aluminum, and air). Dogs were separated into groups of 20 animals each according to weight. Mean weights were 6.5 ± 2.0 kg, 15.0 ± 5.0 kg, 32.0 ± 5.5 kg, and 50.0 ± 12.0 kg, for the small, medium, large, and giant groups, respectively. The one-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in all simulator material thicknesses (p < 0.05) quantified between groups. As a result, four phantoms were constructed for dorsoventral and lateral views. In conclusion, the present methodology allows the development of phantoms of the canine chest and possibly other body regions and/or animals. The proposed phantom is a practical tool that may be employed in future work to optimize veterinary X-ray procedures.
Department of Physics and Biophysics, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Ana Luiza Menegatti
AL
Pavan
Department of Physics and Biophysics, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Maria Eugênia Dela
ME
Rosa
Department of Physics and Biophysics, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Guilherme
G
Giacomini
Department of Physics and Biophysics, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Fernando Antonio
FA
Bacchim Neto
Department of Tropical Diseases and Diagnostic Imaging, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Seizo
S
Yamashita
Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Luiz Carlos
LC
Vulcano
Brasilian Center of Physics Research, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sergio Barbosa
SB
Duarte
Department of Physics and Biophysics, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
José Ricardo de Arruda
JR
Miranda
Department of Tropical Diseases and Diagnostic Imaging, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Diana Rodrigues
DR
de Pina
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013909:Thorax; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods; D014965:X-Rays