THE DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE OF DIGITAL AND CONVE NTIONAL IMAGING FOR INTRAVENOUS UROGRAPHY

Purpose: To compare image quality of digital luminescence radiography with conventional film-screen techniques during excretion urography. F our field tests and ROC analysis for determining diagnostic value. Mat erial and method: 135 patients were included in a prospective study. T hree independent observers judged the five minute (59 cases) or ten mi nute (76 eases) films after contrast injection using digital images as well as corresponding conventional images (five minutes - 76 cases, t en minutes - 59 cases). Results: The digital technique provided better information concerning the renal parenchyma, the soft tissues and bon e structures. Contrast enhanced detail was demonstrated equally well b y both systems. The two systems had similar sensitivity but digital ra diography showed higher specificity.