Radiology, Vol 187, 65-69, Copyright © 1993 by Radiological Society of North America
Alveolar consolidation detection: advanced multiple beam equalization radiography versus conventional chest radiography
RD Nichols, JW Gurney, KK Jones, RA Robbins and SI Rennard
Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-1045.
Advanced multiple beam equalization radiography (AMBER) and conventional
chest radiography were prospectively evaluated in the detection and
quantitation of alveolar (air-space) consolidation. Thirty-seven healthy
volunteers underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), the retained lavage
fluid serving as a model for alveolar consolidation. After BAL, the
subjects underwent AMBER and conventional chest radiography. The lower lung
zones on the radiographs were divided into four zones and graded for
alveolar consolidation by three observers. There was no significant
difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
between the two techniques in the detection of lavage fluid. The grade of
opacification was rated significantly higher (P < .05) on conventional
radiographs for three of the four lung zones examined, and the correlation
between the quantity of retained lavage fluid and grade of opacity was
better on conventional radiographs. Detection of lavage fluid was poor with
either technique. The exposure compensation of AMBER was evident in this
model of air-space disease but did not affect overall observer performance.
