CLINICAL-EVALUATION OF IRREVERSIBLE DATA-COMPRESSION FOR COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY IN EXCRETORY UROGRAPHY

Efficient data compression is required for practical daily use of digi tal images in computed radiography (CR). This study investigated the c linical utility of data compression in excretory urography using the F CR 9000 system (Fuji Photo Film, Tokyo, Japan). Type III data compress ion technique was used, which can achieve a 20:1 to 25:1 compression r atio. To evaluate the degradation of image quality, we compared paired original and compressed CR images. Although a slight deterioration of image quality was noted in the renal calyx including collecting tubul es among various anatomical structures, the difference was not signifi cant. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed no signific ant difference among the original and compressed images. We conclude t hat compressed CR images using Type III data compression technique in excretory urography appear to be clinically applicable and acceptable. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company