Receiver Operating Characteristic Evaluation of Computer Display of Adult Portable Chest Radiographs

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVESThe suitability of using an image console monitor for interpretation of adult portable chest radiographs was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and subjective techniques. METHODSRadiologists read 80 chest images, once on a display monitor and once on computed radiography film, for the presence or absence of pneumothorax or atelectasis. Judgments of correct or incorrect positions of tubes and lines were reported, and total viewing time was recorded. RESULTSA statistically significant difference was found in favor of monitor reading for detection of pneumothoraces. Atelectasis detection also was higher with monitor reading, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Tube/line judgments were equivalent for both modes. Total viewing time was approximately 1 minute longer per image with the monitor. CONCLUSIONSViewing computed radiography images on a workstation monitor does not seem to affect diagnostic accuracy compared with film viewing. Preset image defaults tailored to the individual radiologist could decrease total viewing time to acceptable levels.