The detectability of osteoarticular lesions of the extremities on the television monitor
Salvini, E.; Zincone, G.; Macchi, I.; Mariani, A.M.; Crespi, A.; Paruccini, N.
La Radiologia Medica 87(4): 401-404
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-8362 PMID: 8190921 Document Number: 425588
The diagnostic accuracy of the light-box reading of conventional (film screen) radiographs of the extremities was compared with that of the same set of images displayed on a 1 k x 1 k interactive monitor after laser digitization. 389 alterations (23 nondisplaced fractures, 129 soft-tissue calcifications and 237 articular bone erosions), identified by two experienced radiologists on 66 conventional radiographs, were the reference standard. ROC statistical analysis was performed on 1,556 observations expressed by four readers. The overall diagnostic performance of the two display modalities were substantially equivalent: no statistically significant differences resulted on the whole, but two individual readers performed better with conventional images. No overall nor individual statistically significant difference was reobserved for the subset of articular erosions either. Light-box reading of conventional radiographs allowed a higher number of calcifications in the soft-tissues and of proximal (carpal) abnormalities to be detected. Although our results indicate the overall high fidelity of monitor-displayed laser-digitized images, major improvements in the performance of digital diagnostic workstations are still required before adopting monitors for routine radiologic activity.