Stitching the abdomen: Can abdominal X-ray stitching program reduce patient dose?.

Abstract

Introduction: X-ray stitching technique is commonly utilised in musculoskeletal imaging to acquire X-rays of large anatomical structures and generate a single image, reducing the patient dose and generating a single image for interpretation (rather than two separate X-rays). We aim to determine utilising the stitching technique for abdominal X-rays can reduce patient dose. Method(s): A retrospective review was conducted where patients underwent routine abdominal X-ray imaging via either the 'stitched' or 'non-stitched' method. The absorbed radiation dose for patients in both categories were compared, accounting for body mass index. The images were reviewed for 'stitch artefact' and image quality graded on a Likert scale. Result(s): 75 patients were included in the final sample size (38 in 'stitched' and 37 in 'non-stitched' groups). There was a statistically significant difference in the radiation dose between the two groups, with the radiation dose in the 'stitched' group being 118.5 muGy.m2 lower after adjusting for body mass index. There was no stitch artefact and no difference in image quality between both groups. Conclusion(s): Using the stitching technique for abdominal radiographs reduces the patient radiation dose without affecting image quality.(Figure presented)(Figure presented)