Radiography: impact of lower tube voltages on image quality and radiation dose in chest phantom radiography for averaged sized and larger patients

Hauge, I. H.; Aandahl, Ingrid J.; Baranzelli, J. P.; Coelho, P. M.; Eriksen, L. M.; Hadebe, N. S.; Kahl, G. G.; van Schagenf, S. J.; O’Connor, M.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/9215

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Abstract(s)

Background: A tube voltage of 120 kVp is the standard in chest radiography. However, three studies have found that a lower kVp (e.g. 80 kVp) may provide better image quality for visualizing lung tissue and the cardiac silhouette. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of tube voltage reduction on dose and image quality of DR chest phantom radiographs. Method: An anthropomorphic chest phantom, without and with additional chest plates, to simulate a normal and large male chest torso body type, was imaged in posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral projections using stepwise increases of 10 kVp, from 60 to 130 kVp. Subjective image analysis was conducted by doing visual grading analysis (VGA). Six observers rated the image quality score (IQS). In addition, the contrast-to noise ratio for nine regions was obtained. In order to optimize with regards to both image quality and dose, the figure of merit (FOM) (=Contrast-to-Noise-Ratio squared/DAP),was estimated at each selected kVp. Results: Visual grading analysis showed that the best IQS can be obtained at a lower tube voltage than 120 kVp, but only for PA projection when imaging larger persons, does a lower kVp (100 kVp) provide a better FOM than 120 kVp, and this only occurs when imaging the vertebrae, trachea and left ventricle Conclusion: The VGA analysis showed that it is possible to reduce the kVp, and still get good image quality. However, more extensive VGA is needed in order to come to a definite conclusion.

Keywords

Radiology Chest radiography Image quality kVp Tube voltage Obesity Digital radiography

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/9215

Citation

Hauge IH, Aandahl IJ, Baranzelli JP, Coelho PM, Eriksen LM, Hadebe NS, et al. Radiography: impact of lower tube voltages on image quality and radiation dose in chest phantom radiography for averaged sized and larger patients. In: Meijer A, Buissink C, Hogg P, editors. OPTIMAX 2017: optimising image quality for medical image. Oslo: Akershus University College; 2017. p. 47-62.