Optimization of ionizing radiation usage in medical imaging by means of image enhancement techniques

This paper focuses attention on the fact that images considered unsatisfactory for medical analysis may be rendered usable following various image enhancement techniques. In those cases where this form of image processing can sufficiently improve otherwise unusable images, the necessity of repetitive administration of radionuclides to patients may be avoided with a concomitant reduction in ionizing radiation dosages. Application of these techniques in a clinical situation reduced the dose in thallium studies by 50%. Similar results may be obtainable with other nuclear medicine procedures.