Browsing by Author "Hogg, Peter"
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- 10 kVp rule – An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom imaging study using a CR system: impact on image quality and effective dose using AEC and manual modePublication . Lança, Luís; Franco, Loris; Ahmed, Abdulfatah; Harderwijk, Marloes; Narti, Chloe; Nasir, Sadeeda; Ndlovu, Junior; Oliveira, Miguel; Santiago, Ana Rita; Hogg, PeterPurpose - This study aims to investigate the influence of tube potential (kVp) variation in relation to perceptual image quality and effective dose (E) for pelvis using automatic exposure control (AEC) and non-AEC in a Computed Radiography (CR) system. Methods and materials - To determine the effects of using AEC and non-AEC by applying the 10 kVp rule in two experiments using an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom. Images were acquired using 10 kVp increments (60–120 kVp) for both experiments. The first experiment, based on seven AEC combinations, produced 49 images. The mean mAs from each kVp increment were used as a baseline for the second experiment producing 35 images. A total of 84 images were produced and a panel of 5 experienced observers participated for the image scoring using the two alternative forced choice (2AFC) visual grading software. PCXMC software was used to estimate E. Results - A decrease in perceptual image quality as the kVp increases was observed both in non-AEC and AEC experiments, however no significant statistical differences (p > 0.05) were found. Image quality scores from all observers at 10 kVp increments for all mAs values using non-AEC mode demonstrates a better score up to 90 kVp. E results show a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.000) on the 75th quartile from 0.37 mSv at 60 kVp to 0.13 mSv at 120 kVp when applying the 10 kVp rule in non-AEC mode. Conclusion - Using the 10 kVp rule, no significant reduction in perceptual image quality is observed when increasing kVp whilst a marked and significant E reduction is observed.
- 10 kVp rule - An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom imaging study using a CR system: impact on image quality and effective dose using AEC and manual modePublication . Lança, Luís; Franco, L.; Ahmed, A.; Harderwijk, M.; Nasir, S.; Ndlovu, J.; Oliveira, M.; Santiago, A.; Hogg, PeterPurpose: This study aims to investigate the influence of tube potential (kVp) variation in relation to perceptual image quality and effective dose for pelvis using automatic exposure control (AEC) and non-AEC in a computed radiography (CR) system. Methods and Materials: To determine the effects of using AEC and non-AEC by applying the 10 kVp rule in two experiments using an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom. Images were acquired using 10 kVp increments (60-120 kVp) for both experiments. The first experiment, based on seven AEC combinations, produced 49 images. The mean mAs from each kVp increment were used as a baseline for the second experiment producing 35 images. A total of 84 images were produced and a panel of 5 experienced observers participated for the image scoring using the 2 AFC visual grading software. PCXMC software was used to estimate the effective dose. Results: A decrease in perceptual image quality as the kVp increases was observed both in non-AEC and AEC experiments, however no significant statistical differences (p> 0.05) were found. Image quality scores from all observers at 10 kVp increments for all mAs values using non-AEC mode demonstrates a better score up to 90 kVp. Effective dose results show a statistical significant decrease (p=0.000) on the 75th quartile from 0.3 mSv at 60 kVp to 0.1 mSv at 120 kVp when applying the 10 kVp rule in non-AEC mode. Conclusion: No significant reduction in perceptual image quality is observed when increasing kVp whilst a marked and significant effective dose reduction is observed.
- 10 kVp rule – An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom imaging study using a CR system: impact on image quality and effective dose using AEC and manual modePublication . Lança, Luís; Franco, L.; Ahmed, A.; Harderwijk, M.; Marti, C.; Nasir, S.; Ndlovu, J.; Oliveira, M.; Santiago, A.; Hogg, PeterBackground - Pelvis and hip radiography are consistently found to be amongst the highest contributors to the collective effective dose (E) in all ten DOSE DATAMED countries in Europe, representing 2.8 to 9.4% of total collective dose (S) in the TOP 20 exams list. The level of image quality should provide all the diagnostic information in order not to jeopardise the diagnosis, but being able to provide the needed clinical information with the minimum dose. A recent study suggests further research to determine whether the “10 kVp rule” would have value for a range of examinations using Computed Radiography (CR) systems. As a “rule of thumb” increasing the kVp by 10 whilst halving the mAs is suggested to give a similar perceptual image quality when compared to the original exposure factors. Aims - In light of the 10kVp rule, this study aims to investigate the influence of tube potential (kVp) variation in relation to perceptual image quality and E for pelvis imaging using automatic exposure control (AEC) and non-AEC in a Computed Radiography (CR) system. Research questions - Does the 10kVp rule works for the pelvis in relation to image quality in a CR system? Does the image quality differs when the AEC is used instead of manual mode using the 10kVp rule and how this impacts on E?
- An analysis of the validity and reliability of a handheld ultrasound device for measuring rectus femoris muscle sizePublication . Nijholt, Willemke; Bakker, Astrid; Bennett, Alicia C.; Borgen, Morten H.; Ellermann, Anne; Hogg, Peter; Gamboa, Patrícia T.; Thorskog, Martine; Vorster, Liesl; Aandahl, Ingrid J.Background: Previous studies show that ultrasound is valid and reliable when measuring muscle size. A Philips handheld ultrasound device was released in April 2015. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the handheld ultrasound device compared to a conventional ultrasound device, when measuring the size of the rectus femoris (RF). Methods: Two sonographers scanned 39 volunteers (mean age=29.3y, 26 female), once with the Toshiba SSA-660A (regular) ultrasound device and twice with the Philips hand held VISIQ device. The size of the RF (expressed in cross sectional area (CSA) was measured two ways; using the trackball on the Toshiba device and an automatic region of interest on the VISIQ device (method 1), and an ellipse on both devices using the formula π*half width*half length (method 2). Results: Method 1 resulted in an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of .811 with a 95% (confidence interval) CI of .773-.837 (inter-rater reliability) and .907 with a 95% CI of .822-.951 (validity). The ICCs of method 2 were .787 with a 95% CI of .593-.888 (inter-rater reliability) and .867 with a 95 % CI of .746-.930 (validity). Conclusion: VISIQ is a valid and reliable device for measuring RF-CSA. In clinical practice VISIQ could be used for measuring RF-CSA, consequently it could be an economical and easily portable technology for use in both clinical and residential settings.
- Are antimony-bismuth aprons as efficient as lead rubber aprons in providing shielding against scattered radiation?Publication . Johansen, Safora; Hauge, Ingrid; Hogg, Peter; England, Andrew; Lança, Luís; Gunn, Catherine; Sanderud, AudunAim: The aim of this study is to compare the absorption ability of two lead-free aprons with a lead apron. Method: The absorption ability of three aprons was measured and compared; Opaque Fusion 0.35 mm (OpaqFu) bilayer apron containing bismuth and antimony, No Lead 0.35 mm (NoLead) one-layer apron containing antimony, and a lead apron. The measurements were repeated with and without each of the aprons present in both primary and scattered beams. The selected tube voltages were between 60 and 113 kVp with constant mAs, a fixed field size, and fixed source-to-object distance. Results: No significant difference in absorption ability of the two lead-free aprons compared with that of the lead apron was observed when the dose was measured in the primary beam. When measurements were performed in the scatter radiation field, the absorption ability of the OpaqFu apron was 1.3 times higher than that of NoLead apron and nearly equal to the absorption ability of the lead apron. An increase in the difference between the OpaqFu and NoLead aprons was observed for the tube energies higher than 100 kVp in favor of OpaqFu apron. Conclusion: It is safe to use the lead-free aprons that were tested in this study in a clinical environment for the tube energy range of 60 kVp–113 kVp.
- Are physical measures good indicators of clinical image quality at low dose levels? A pilot studyPublication . Lança, Luís; Andersen, E. N.; Carvalho, G.; van Gerwen, M.; Jorge, José; Kleiker, M.; Markali, B.; Nightingale, P.; Hogg, PeterBackground - For dose reduction actions, the principle of “image quality as good as possible” to “image quality as good as needed” requires to know whether the physical measures and visual image quality relate. Visual evaluation and objective physical measures of image quality can appear to be different. If there is no noticeable effect on the visual image quality with a low dose but there is a objective physical measure impact, then the overall dose may be reduced without compromising the diagnostic image quality. Low dose imaging can be used for certain types of observations, e.g. thoracic scoliosis, control after metal implantation for osteosynthesis, reviewing pneumonia and tuberculosis. Aim of the study - To determine whether physical measures of noise predict visual (clinical) image quality at low dose levels.
- Are physical measures good indicators of image quality at low dose levels? A pilot studyPublication . Lança, Luís; Andersen, E. N.; Carvalho, G.; Gerwen, M.; Jorge, José; Kleiker, M.; Markali, B.; Nightingale, P.; Hogg, PeterPurpose: To evaluate if physical measures of noise predict image quality at high and low noise levels. Method: Twenty-four images were acquired on a DR system using a Pehamed DIGRAD phantom at three kVp settings (60, 70 and 81) across a range of mAs values. The image acquisition setup consisted of 14 cm of PMMA slabs with the phantom placed in the middle at 120 cm SID. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and Contrast-tonoise ratio (CNR) were calculated for each of the images using ImageJ software and 14 observers performed image scoring. Images were scored according to the observer`s evaluation of objects visualized within the phantom. Results: The R2 values of the non-linear relationship between objective visibility score and CNR (60kVp R2 = 0.902; 70Kvp R2 = 0.913; 80kVp R2 = 0.757) demonstrate a better fit for all 3 kVp settings than the linear R2 values. As CNR increases for all kVp settings the Object Visibility also increases. The largest increase for SNR at low exposure values (up to 2 mGy) is observed at 60kVp, when compared with 70 or 81kVp.CNR response to exposure is similar. Pearson r was calculated to assess the correlation between Score, OV, SNR and CNR. None of the correlations reached a level of statistical significance (p>0.01). Conclusion: For object visibility and SNR, tube potential variations may play a role in object visibility. Higher energy X-ray beam settings give lower SNR but higher object visibility. Object visibility and CNR at all three tube potentials are similar, resulting in a strong positive relationship between CNR and object visibility score. At low doses the impact of radiographic noise does not have a strong influence on object visibility scores because in noisy images objects could still be identified.
- Blurred digital mammography images: an analysis of technical recall and observer detection performancePublication . Ma, Wang Kei; Borgen, Rita; Kelly, Judith; Millington, Sara; Hilton, Beverley; Aspin, Rob; Lança, Carla; Hogg, PeterObjective - Blurred images in full-field digital mammography are a problem in the UK Breast Screening Programme. Technical recalls may be due to blurring not being seen on lower resolution monitors used for review. This study assesses the visual detection of blurring on a 2.3-MP monitor and a 5-MP report grade monitor and proposes an observer standard for the visual detection of blurring on a 5-MP reporting grade monitor. Methods - 28 observers assessed 120 images for blurring; 20 images had no blurring present, whereas 100 images had blurring imposed through mathematical simulation at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mm levels of motion. Technical recall rate for both monitors and angular size at each level of motion were calculated. χ2 tests were used to test whether significant differences in blurring detection existed between 2.3- and 5-MP monitors. Results - The technical recall rate for 2.3- and 5-MP monitors are 20.3% and 9.1%, respectively. The angular size for 0.2- to 1-mm motion varied from 55 to 275 arc s. The minimum amount of motion for visual detection of blurring in this study is 0.4 mm. For 0.2-mm simulated motion, there was no significant difference [χ2 (1, N = 1095) = 1.61, p = 0.20] in blurring detection between the 2.3- and 5-MP monitors. Conclusion - According to this study, monitors ≤2.3 MP are not suitable for technical review of full-field digital mammography images for the detection of blur.
- Comparison of 2.3 & 5 mega pixel (MP) resolution monitors when detecting mammography image blurringPublication . Borgen, R.; Ma, V.; Kelly, J.; Scragg, B.; Aspin, R.; Millington, S.; Lança, Carla; Hogg, PeterBackground - Image blurring in Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) is reported to be a problem within many UK breast screening units resulting in significant proportion of technical repeats/recalls. Our study investigates monitors of differing pixel resolution, and whether there is a difference in blurring detection between a 2.3 MP technical review monitor and a 5MP standard reporting monitor. Methods - Simulation software was created to induce different magnitudes of blur on 20 artifact free FFDM screening images. 120 blurred and non-blurred images were randomized and displayed on the 2.3 and 5MP monitors; they were reviewed by 28 trained observers. Monitors were calibrated to the DICOM Grayscale Standard Display Function. T-test was used to determine whether significant differences exist in blurring detection between the monitors. Results - The blurring detection rate on the 2.3MP monitor for 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mm blur was 46, 59, 66, 77and 78% respectively; and on the 5MP monitor 44, 70, 83 , 96 and 98%. All the non-motion images were identified correctly. A statistical difference (p <0.01) in the blurring detection rate between the two monitors was demonstrated. Conclusions - Given the results of this study and knowing that monitors as low as 1 MP are used in clinical practice, we speculate that technical recall/repeat rates because of blurring could be reduced if higher resolution monitors are used for technical review at the time of imaging. Further work is needed to determine monitor minimum specification for visual blurring detection.
- Development and validation of a psychometric scale for assessing PA chest image qualityPublication . Mraity, Hussein; Akhtar, Ifrah; Aslam, Aisha; England, Andrew; de Lange, René; Momoniat, Hafsa; Nicoulaz, Solange; Ribeiro, Ana Isabel; Hogg, PeterPurpose - To develop and validate a psychometric scale for assessing image quality for chest radiographs.