Lung nodules, also known as pulmonary nodules or lung lesions, are a common growth in the lungs that can sometimes be malignant. They are usually identified using chest X-rays (CXR) or CT Scans. On X-rays, lung nodules typically appear more solid compared to the surrounding lung tissue. Early identification of pulmonary nodules is vital for catching cancers in their more treatable stages. KA Imaging’s Reveal 35C dual energy X-ray shows promise in this area of application, resulting in better lung nodule visualization than conventional methods in recently conducted studies.
Visualizing Lung Nodules on Traditional X-Ray DR
When it comes to showing lung nodules, traditional X-ray DR uses a single energy level to produce a single X-ray image. Single energy X-ray captures all visual information available in the CXR, showing both the bone and soft tissue together, such as the ribs, lungs, and heart. Studies show that conventional imaging methods for small pulmonary nodules have resulted in a high-rate of false negatives (19% to 75%). Given the risk associated with lung nodules, this is not ideal.
False negatives can be attributed to a lack of visibility with traditional X-ray DR. Although conventional X-ray captures a lot of visual information, high calcium bones absorb more X-ray energy than soft tissue, allowing them to appear more opaque. This is troubling in instances where the ribs obscure visual indicators of lung lesions, especially since these lesions are usually significantly smaller and less dense than the ribs. Studies have found that 82% to 95% of lung cancers that were missed by radiologists were as a result of overlapping bones obscuring crucial evidence.
CT scans have become the industry standard for this very reason, but come with their own logistical challenges. CT scans are significantly more expensive than conventional X-ray imaging, making them financially unattainable for certain facilities. This also reflects on the patient’s medical care costs.
The Power of Dual Energy: Introducing SpectralDR
Dual energy X-ray has the potential to overcome conventional X-ray’s limitations while also being more cost-effective than CT. Dual energy X-ray imaging is a technique that, in contrast to
conventional X-ray, uses two different energy levels for imaging. As a result, dual energy achieves superior material differentiation than traditional X-ray with subtractive capabilities that separate materials like bone and soft tissue.
This is where KA Imaging’s patented SpectralDR technology comes in. SpectralDR is what enables KA’s X-ray products to capture dual energy images in a single exposure. It is the first X-ray technology of its kind to offer dual-energy capabilities in portable applications.
SpectralDR enables dual energy subtraction, providing three distinct images in a single exposure using a patented three-layer design. Along with providing the traditional X-ray image that overlaps bone and soft tissue, it produces two additional images- one containing only the soft tissue with no bones visible, and another containing only the bones with no soft tissue. These images are processed simultaneously and yield improved tissue characterization.
How Reveal 35C X-ray Increases Lung Nodule Visibility
Thanks to SpectralDR, the Reveal 35C flat panel X-ray detector enhances lung nodule visibility compared to traditional X-ray thanks to its material separation capabilities.
It provides three distinct images, the low density soft tissue (lung) image, the high density bone image, and the conventional X-ray image. Technicians can refer to all three images for a diverse and all encompassing perspective of the issue, identifying problems in bone and soft tissue without the risk of obscuration by overlapping structures. This is achieved with the same radiation dosage needed for conventional CXR, potentially decreasing the increased exposure risks associated with CT. Additionally, its single exposure ability makes images taken by the Reveal 35C motion artifact free.
In 2022, KA presented a study titled “Diagnostic value of single-exposure dual-energy subtraction radiography in lung lesion detection: initial results”. A clinical trial was conducted at Grand River Hospital, where radiologists were asked to consider the image quality achieved using Reveal 35C versus conventional X-rays. The study found that X-ray images produced using the Reveal 35C had 43% more lung lesion visibility than its traditional counterpart.
The study concluded that KA’s Reveal 35C X-ray detector could achieve increased sensitivity over conventional X-ray. This sensitivity would suggest that lung lesions not visible on a traditional radiograph may be visible up on a Reveal 35C X-ray image.
This revelation lays the groundwork for not only increased accuracy in the detection of lung nodules, but also earlier identification and treatment of malignant pulmonary nodule cases.
Lung Nodule Diagnosis with Reveal 35C
Reveal 35C was designed as an innovative dual-energy X-ray solution that could overcome dual-energy’s inherent limitations. With its lack of motion artifacts, material separation capabilities, and potential for increased sensitivity, studies show that Reveal 35C can thrive in pulmonary nodule identification.
Curious about Reveal 35C’s potential to enhance your medical team’s capabilities? Contact us today to learn more.
