Digital radiography: comparison of different methods for imaging of the thorax and the gastrointestinal tracts.

In evaluating the image quality of the chest, four different analog and digital methods were compared. For peripheral lung field, the advanced multiple beam equalization radiography (AMBER) system was given the best score, followed in order by the storage-phosphor, conventional, and asymmetric film/screen systems. For the mediastinal field, the highest image quality was given to the AMBER system, followed by storage phosphor and asymmetric film/screen system. The best overall image quality, especially with regard to demonstration of pathologic alteration, was given to the AMBER system, followed by the storage-phosphor, conventional, and asymmetric film/screen radiography systems. In conclusion, AMBER demonstrated the highest image quality. The storage-phosphor system provided better results in the peripheral and mediastinal fields in comparison with conventional film/screen systems. Other digital systems including selenium chest radiography system and image intensifier digital radiography were also discussed.