Can advanced edge enhancement software improve image quality to visualise tubes, catheters and wires in digital chest radiographs?

This study aimed to test whether Advanced Edge Enhancement (AEE) software could improve the localisation of tubes, catheters or wires, while also affecting the overall image quality in chest x-rays (CXR). In total, 50 retrospective CXRs were included. All images were obtained utilising the Canon X-ray system (CANON/Arcoma Precision T3 DR System, Canon Europe, Amsterdam, NL) with a CXDI-810C wireless detector. A clinical image, plus three additional AEE algorithms were applied using post processing (two intensity variations 1 and 4) on all CXRs totalling 350 different images. Three radiologists evaluated the images using a subjective Absolute Visual Grading Analysis (VGA). The clinical images used in post processing were not applied as reference in the analysis. Each radiologist graded the images separately in a randomized order, with a score of three indicating suitability for diagnostic assessment. The three AEE algorithms contributed to an overall improvement (average 16–49%) in visualisation of tube, catheter or wire on CXR images. The Mann–Whitney U tests showed a statistically significant (p