The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of x-ray dark-field radiography to detect pneumothoraces in a pig model. Eight pigs were imaged with an experimental grating-based large-animal dark-field scanner before and after induction of a unilateral pneumothorax. Image contrast-to-noise ratios between lung tissue and the air-filled pleural cavity were quantified for transmission and dark-field radiograms. The projected area in the object plane of the inflated lung was measured in dark-field images to quantify the collapse of lung parenchyma due to a pneumothorax. Means and standard deviations for lung sizes and signal intensities from dark-field and transmission images were tested for statistical significance using Student's two-tailed t-test for paired samples. The contrast-to-noise ratio between the air-filled pleural space of lateral pneumothoraces and lung tissue was significantly higher in the dark-field (3.65 +/- 0.9) than in the transmission images (1.13 +/- 1.1; p = 0.002). In case of dorsally located pneumothoraces, a significant decrease (-20.5%; p > 0.0001) in the projected area of inflated lung parenchyma was found after a pneumothorax was induced. Therefore, the detection of pneumothoraces in x-ray dark-field radiography was facilitated compared to transmission imaging in a large animal model.
- Hellbach, K.
- Baehr, A.
- De Marco, F.
- Willer, K.
- Gromann, L. B.
- Herzen, J.
- Dmochewitz, M.
- Auweter, S.
- Fingerle, A. A.
- Noel, P. B.
- Rummeny, E. J.
- Yaroshenko, A.
- Maack, H. I.
- Pralow, T.
- van der Heijden, H.
- Wieberneit, N.
- Proksa, R.
- Koehler, T.
- Rindt, K.
- Schroeter, T. J.
- Mohr, J.
- Bamberg, F.
- Ertl-Wagner, B.
- Pfeiffer, F.
- Reiser, M. F.
