Next-generation digital chest tomosynthesis

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the performance characteristics and potential utility of a novel tomosynthesis device as applied to imaging the chest, specifically relating to lung nodules. The imaging characteristics and quality of a novel digital tomosynthesis prototype system was assessed by scanning, a healthy volunteer, and an andromorphic lung phantom with different configurations of simulated pulmonary nodules. The adequacy of nodule detection on the phantoms was rated by chest radiologists using a standardized scale. Results from using this tomosynthesis device demonstrate in plane resolution of 16lp/cm, with estimated effective radiation doses of 90% less than low dose CT. Nodule detection was adequate across various anatomic locations on a phantom. These proof-of-concept tests showed this novel tomosynthesis device can detect lung nodules with low radiation dose to the patient. This technique has potential as an alternative to low dose chest CT for lung nodule screening and tracking.