Utility of Dual Energy Substruction Chest Radiography

Abstract

Dual-energy substruction (DES) radiography is a perspective technique which based on impact high and lower energy photons, produces soft-tissue and bone selective images. DES radiography is able to minimize negative qualities of traditional chest X-ray, DES radiography requires expose to comparable doses of radiation. The main aim of the study was to assess the value of DES radiography to detect anatomical and pathological structures of chest. A total of 100 patients with chest lesions were examined by using DES radiography and traditional chest X-ray. As a result, 300 images were analyzed. The soft-tissue and bone selective images were assessed separately. Dual-energy bone reconstruction improved visualization 19 % of the cases; for 9 % of all new information (fractures, bone destruction) was obtained. Soft-tissue reconstruction improved visualization of pulmonary structure 30 % of the cases; additional information consisted small pulmonary calcifications and high-density zones (3 %). By eliminating rib shadows and soft tissues, DES radiography improved visualization of pathological structures of chest. DES radiography can be used as an independent modality, but not considered as a substitute for multi-spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and tomosynthesis.