Evaluating and comparing a pediatric cervical-supine image quality obtained using different digital radiography machines: phantom study

The aim of the work is to evaluate and compare image quality obtained using different digital radiography systems with reference to size distortion, contrast and noise. An anthropomorphic pediatric head phantom was utilized and scanned using a general radiography machine that uses a digital direct detector, a portable radiography also uses a digital direct detector, and another general radiography machine that uses a digital in-direct detector. Images of the pediatric phantom were acquired following the most standard clinical setups namely supine and erect with anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) projections. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was used to determine background density, object density, image noise and calculate image contrast and magnification factor. The mean and range of magnification factor (F) in general direct radiography (DR) and computer radiography (CR), AP and LAT projections, was 1.07(1.05-1.09). The lowest size distortion was evident with portable DR with F=1.02 comparing to general DR (AP and LAT) and CR (AP and LAT) systems, with F=1.08 and 1.07, respectively. The general CR system yielded a minimal image noise with mean and SD 66.6±8.9 and a high image contrast with a mean and range 1.63 (1.4-1.8). Quality of the obtained images were higher for the general CR comparing to the general DR and portable DR. However, portable DR resulted in a lower size distortion.