[Effects of image post-processing parameters on digital radiography chest radiograph for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of image post-processing parameters on DR chest radiograph for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. METHODS: Eighty three coal miners were examined with high-kV and DR chest radiographs at the same time. Image post-processing parameters (density, contrast and so on) were designed in a Philips Essenta DR machine were designed, then differences of image quality between high-kV and DR chest radiographs were compared. RESULTS: After regulating image and proceeding the parameters, the OD (optical density) values of high density areas in the upper-middle lung fields, subphrenic and direct exposure areas were 1.58 +/- 0.10, 0.23 +/- 0.02 and 2.80 +/- 0.21, respectively. The quality of chest films met the requirements of diagnostic criteria of pneumoconiosis. The rate of excellent chest films for DR chest radiograph was 95.18%, which was significantly higher than that (80.72%) for high-kV chest radiograph (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Appropriate parameters of image post-processing can make DR chest radiograph to meet the requirements of chest radiograph quality for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.