Korean J Radiol.  2018 Jun;19(3):526-533. 10.3348/kjr.2018.19.3.526.

The Potential Role of Grid-Like Software in Bedside Chest Radiography in Improving Image Quality and Dose Reduction: An Observer Preference Study

• Ahn SY
• Chae KJ
• Goo JM

• KMID: 2410824
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2018.19.3.526

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the observer preference of image quality and radiation dose between non-grid, grid-like, and grid images.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Each of the 38 patients underwent bedside chest radiography with and without a grid. A grid-like image was generated from a non-grid image using SimGrid software (Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.) employing deep-learning-based scatter correction technology. Two readers recorded the preference for 10 anatomic landmarks and the overall appearance on a five-point scale for a pair of non-grid and grid-like images, and a pair of grid-like and grid images, respectively, which were randomly presented. The dose area product (DAP) was also recorded. Wilcoxon's rank sum test was used to assess the significance of preference.
RESULTS
Both readers preferred grid-like images to non-grid images significantly (p < 0.001); with a significant difference in terms of the preference for grid images to grid-like images (p = 0.317, 0.034, respectively). In terms of anatomic landmarks, both readers preferred grid-like images to non-grid images (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between grid-like and grid images except for the preference for grid images in proximal airways by two readers, and in retrocardiac lung and thoracic spine by one reader. The median DAP were 1.48 (range, 1.37-2.17) dGy*cm2 in grid images and 1.22 (range, 1.11-1.78) dGy*cm2 in grid-like images with a significant difference (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The SimGrid software significantly improved the image quality of non-grid images to a level comparable to that of grid images with a relatively lower level of radiation exposure.

Keyword

Bedside chest radiography; Scatter correction; Software; Image quality; Dose reduction; Grid

MeSH Terms

Anatomic Landmarks
Humans
Lung
Radiation Exposure
Radiography*
Spine
Thorax*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Comparison of (A, D) non-grid, (B, E) grid-like, and (C, F) grid images.A-C. Chest radiography of 57-year-old male patient who underwent multiple-wedge resection in both lungs for metastasis associated with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Note superior image contrast of grid-like image to non-grid image, and similarity in contrast appearance between grid-like and grid images. D-F. Magnified non-grid, grid-like and grid images: surgical materials (black arrows) and multiple linear opacities (white arrows) are clearly demonstrated in grid-like image, as well as grid image.

• 

  Fig. 2 Magnified anteroposterior chest radiographs of 59-year-old female with ovarian cancer.Compared with (A) non-grid image, delineation of trachea and left main bronchus (arrows) is improved in (B) grid-like image, as well as (C) grid image.

• 

  Fig. 3 Magnified anteroposterior chest radiographs of 63-year-old male with hepatocellular carcinoma.Compared with (A) non-grid image, delineation of vascular shadows in retrocardiac area is improved in (B) grid-like image, as well as (C) grid image.

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