A single phantom, a single statistical method for low-contrast detectability assessment.

Purpose: The assessment of low-contrast-details is a part of the quality control (QC) program in digital radiology. It generally consists of evaluating the threshold contrast (Cth) detectability details for different-sized inserts, appropriately located in dedicated QC test tools. This work aims to propose a simplified method, based on a statistical model approach for threshold contrast estimation, suitable for different modalities in digital radiology.

A multicenter dosimetry study to evaluate the imaging dose from Elekta XVI and Varian OBI kV-CBCT systems to cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

The increasing use of daily CBCT in radiotherapy has raised concerns about the additional dose delivered to the patient, and it can also become a concern issue for those patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) (Pacemaker [PM] and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator [ICD]). Although guidelines highly recommend that the cumulative dose received by CIEDs should be kept as low as possible, and a safe threshold based on patient risk classification needs to be respected, this additional imaging dose is not usually considered. Four centers with different dosimetry systems and different CBCT imaging protocols participated in this multicenter study to investigate the imaging dose to the CIEDs from Elekta XVI and Varian OBI kV-CBCT systems.

Analytical functions for beta and gamma absorbed fractions of iodine-131 in spherical and ellipsoidal volumes.

Background: The beta and gamma absorbed fractions in organs and tissues are the important key factors of radionuclide internal dosimetry based on Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) approach.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find suitable analytical functions for beta and gamma absorbed fractions in spherical and ellipsoidal volumes with a uniform distribution of iodine-131 radionuclide.

Methods: MCNPX code has been used to calculate the energy absorption from beta and gamma rays of iodine-131 uniformly distributed inside different ellipsoids and spheres, and then the absorbed fractions have been evaluated.

256-slice CT coronary angiography: in vivo dosimetry and technique optimization.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the different acquisition protocols available in a last-generation multislice computed tomography scanner used for cardiovascular studies, with particular attention to dosimetric aspects.

Materials And Methods: Our study compared prospective and retrospective electrocardiographic-gating techniques for cardiac imaging. For each patient, we performed in vivo dose measurements, using Gafchromic film.

Mammography with synchrotron radiation: first clinical experience with phase-detection technique.

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic contribution of mammography with synchrotron radiation in patients with questionable or suspicious breast abnormalities identified at combined digital mammography (DM) and ultrasonography (US).

Materials And Methods: The ethics committee approved this prospective study, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Mammography with synchrotron radiation was performed with a phase-detection technique at a synchrotron radiation laboratory.

Dosimetric evaluation of a 320 detector row CT scanner unit.

Background: The technologic improvements in Multislice scanners include the increment in the X-ray beam width. Some new CT scanners are equipped with a 320 detector row which allows a longitudinal coverage of 160 mm and a total of 640 slices for a single rotation. When such parameters are used the length of the traditional pencil chamber (10 cm) is no more appropriate to measure the standard weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDI(w)) value.

The value of digital tomosynthesis in the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary lesions on chest radiography: analysis of diagnostic accuracy and confidence.

Rationale And Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of digital tomosynthesis in the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary lesions on chest radiography.

Materials And Methods: Two-hundred twenty-eight patients (133 men, 95 women; mean age, 70.8 ± 11.