CHEST RADIOGRAPHS FOR INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT S - COMPARISON OF AN ASYMMETRICAL FILM-SCREEN-GRID COMBINATION WITH A L-FILM

Purpose: Using an asymmetrical screen-film-grid combination with an IT C-VHC special grid (Kodak), the effect of the individual components wa s evaluated with regard to detail in the lungs and mediastinum as well as patient dose. Materials and methods: The system was compared with the Curix Ortho screen film system (Agfa L-film) using phantoms and 62 patients in an intensive care unit. The results were analysed by thre e independent observers. Dose measurements on phantoms were carried ou t with a WD 10 (Wellhoefer) dosimeter and with a thermoluminescence do simeter for patients. Results: Both phantom and patient images showed improved demonstration of mediastinal structures with similar details of lung structure. Details in the peripheral lungs are significantly b etter shown with the ITC-VHC system with the special grid than they ar e without the grid. However, there is an increase about three to four times in radiation dose when using the grid. Conclusion: Our trial sho ws that the use of the ITC-VHC grid system is to be recommended for ro utine clinical use because of the better demonstration of details, but one must be aware of the increased radiation dose to the patient.