Digital chest radiography--comparing two types of CRT monitors in a ROC experiment with a chest phantom

Two principally different 1000-line CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors connected to a digital image intensifier system for chest radiography were compared in terms of image quality and viewing comfort. Image quality was assessed by means of ROC analysis. Five observers tried to find simulated pathology positioned over the lungs and the mediastinum of an anthropomorphic phantom. The observers also graded the viewing comfort of the two CRTs in terms of flicker, light levels, and general comfort. No significant difference in the detection of simulated pathology was demonstrated between the two monitors. A slight preference for the newer CRT (Imlogix) was seen as compared to the older standard CRT (Siemens) regarding flicker and general comfort.