EVALUATION OF A NEW LOW-DOSE DIGITAL X-RAY DEVICE - FIRST DOSIMETRIC AND CLINICAL-RESULTS IN CHILDREN

Background. A new low-dose digital X-ray device, based on Charpak's No bel prize-winning multiwire chamber, enables the production of images at very low doses. Objectives. To present the first dosimetric and cli nical results. Materials and methods. The analysis was performed on 93 children with scoliosis and 47 undergoing pelvic radiography. The com parative study between conventional X-ray and the new technique focuse d on three points: (1) the dose delivered by each system (2) the diagn ostic information provided by each system and (3) comparison of image quality criteria with European guidelines. Results. The mean ratio of conventional dose to that of the low-dose technique was 13.1 for the s pinal examination and 18.8 for the pelvis. There was no significant di fference in diagnostic information available from each modality, but t here was a slight difference in quality criteria in favour of the conv entional technique. Conclusion. This new device allows spectacular dos e reduction, consistent with adequate clinical information. Improvemen ts of the prototype will lead to extension of potential indications an d industrial development.