[New analog and digital imaging techniques for chest diagnosis--principles--clinical value--economics]

For chest imaging new analog and digital imaging techniques are now available. In this publication the imaging methods conventional film/screen, asymmetric film/screen("In-Sight"), slit(AMBER)-technique, spotfilm(100 mm)-technique, storage phosphor radiography and digital image intensifier radiography are compared. The clinical value is discussed by measured imaging capabilities and patient examinations. The highest image quality was demonstrated by the slit(AMBER)-technique. In comparison to conventional film/screen, storage phosphor radiography and asymmetric film/screen was graded higher only in the mediastinal field. Because of the low spatial resolution the image quality of digital image intensifier radiography was classified too poor for chest imaging.