Dual-energy digital subtraction chest radiography: technical considerations

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2002 Mar-Apr;31(2):48-62. doi: 10.1067/mdr.2002.122856.

Abstract

In the evaluation of asbestos-related pulmonary and pleural abnormalities, conventional chest radiography has been shown to have a low sensitivity for the detection of lung nodules and subtle interstitial disease. Pleural plaques may simulate pulmonary nodules, and interstitial processes can be masked by adjacent pleural abnormalities. Dual-energy digital subtraction chest radiography may enable investigators to characterize asbestos-related pulmonary and pleural abnormalities with greater accuracy. "Soft-tissue" images, designed to remove pleural calcifications, may allow for better evaluation of the lung parenchyma. "Bone" images, designed to remove soft-tissue structures, may enhance the detection of pleural calcifications. In this pictorial essay we illustrate the methods, technical considerations, and limitations of dual-energy digital subtraction chest radiography performed with global subtraction weighting factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asbestosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods*
  • Subtraction Technique*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed