Implementação de um Programa de Controle de Qualidade Remoto para Avaliação de Imagens em Radiografia Convencional e Mamografia

Abstract

International studies have shown that regular monitoring of image quality in radiology and mammography has a positive impact on quality control (QC) programs for these diagnostic modalities. Considering they can be performed periodically and without the presence of an expert, these assays require particular phantoms and methods that allow its application in clinical practice. In this sense, the present work evaluated the implementation in clinical practice of remote quality control program proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA Human Health Series – Nº39). Phantoms recommended by the IAEA publication were manufactured using materials available on the national market (acrylic, copper and aluminium plates). Images of these simulators were acquired using digital and computerized radiology systems on conventional radiography and mammography equipment. The images were analyzed using the program developed and made available by the IAEA (ATIA), which automatically quantifies advanced image quality metrics, such as SNR, SDNR, MTF, NNPS and detectability index (d'), in addition to identifying artifacts in the image and generate variance maps. The results obtained indicate that it is possible to evaluate quantitative image quality metrics not yet incorporated into the traditional QC routine with low-cost and viable phantoms from the material available in the national market. Periodic evaluations of these metrics, on weekly or monthly basis, should ease the identification changes in the performance of imaging systems, contributing for the implementation of corrections even before the quality control annually required by the National Health Agency (ANVISA).