Comparison of digital selenium radiography with an analog screen-film system in the diagnostic process of pneumoconiosis according to ILO classification.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of digi tal selenium radiography in patients with pneumoconiosis. For this purpose chest x-rays by digital selenium radiography and analog screen-film system were compared according to the ILO classification of pneumoconiosis. Method : After approval of the study by the local ethic commission and the Federal German Office for Radiation Protection 50 patients were subjected to x-ray s by digital selenium radiography (Thoravision; Philips Medical Systems, Ha mburg, Germany) and analog screen-film system of the same day within the sc ope of an industrial medicine preventive checkup. Four investigators rated the chest xrays according to the ILO classification of pneumoconiosis. Resu lts: The findings demonstrated by chest x-rays according to ILO classificat ion were rated similar by digital selenium radiography and analog screen fi lm systems. Image quality of the digital pictures was rated significantly b etter. Conclusion: The use of digital selenium radiography in evaluating ch est x-rays according to the ILO classification does not result in over- or underestimation of pulmonary pathologies. Hence, in the diagnosis of pneumo coniosis, digital selenium radiography can replace the tested analog screen -film system.