Our path to a filmless future.

Film-based radiographs are still being used to teach in a conference format, which presents several viewing challenges amongst other problems. In the age of cloud computing, which enables the use of online server storage space, this information could be used more effectively if it were digitized. However, digitizing film-based radiographs and making them available for use in the cloud is not as easy as it seems. In order to address the issue of digitizing the film-based radiograph libraries in our radiology department, we looked at several options. The option that we chose was a consumer-grade scanner, and this decision was based on price, resolution, shades of gray, built-in transparency function, and its physical attributes. Our goal was to digitize the film-based radiograph teaching files so they could be stored in a digital file locker such as Google Picassa for organization and quick access later. These files would constantly be updated in a Google document by residents, and this document would be called the "Living Document" based on its continuous expandability. This method would allow even the smallest radiology department to benefit from the use of modern technology to gain access to valuable information stored in film-based radiographs and give every resident the opportunity to benefit from it.

[Conventional X-rays and conventional tomography in orthopaedics. Current status]. / Konventionelle Röntgenaufnahme und konventionelle Tomografie für die Orthopädie. Aktueller Stellenwert.

Although sonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are common tools in radiology, conventional X-rays still have a place in orthopaedic diagnostic investigation. The advantages of radiographic imaging are high local resolution concerning bone, economy of time besides relatively low costs and worldwide experience. The conventional X-ray is indispensable for planning surgical procedures and clinical monitoring. For several pathological processes an X-ray is sufficient for diagnosis and therapy (i.e. degeneration, fracture). Early changes of the bone (i.e. osteonecrosis) cannot be detected by X-ray. CT and MRI have closed the diagnostic gap. Indications for conventional tomography are rare.

[Evolution of X-ray image receivers]. / Evoliutsiia priemnikov rentgenovskogo izobrazheniia.

The evolution of X-ray image receivers of X-ray radiation for roentgenoscopy and roentgenography was analyzed for the period of the last century; prospects for the future are made.

Planejamento tridimensional para radioterapia de tumores de esôfago: comparação de técnicas de tratamento e análise de probabilidade de complicações / Three-dimensional radiotherapy planning system for esophageal tumors: comparison of treatment techniques and analysis of probability of complications

Para comparar diversas técnicas de irradiação para o câncer de esôfago, foi utilizado sistema de planejamento tridimensional. Em um paciente com carcinoma espinocelular de esôfago médio, foram estudadas as seguintes técnicas de tratamento: dois campos ântero-posteriores e dois campos látero-laterais paralelos e opostos, três campos em "Y" e em "T" e quatro campos em "X". Foram obtidos os histogramas dose-volume, considerando como órgãos de risco medula espinhal e pulmões. Os resultados foram analisados de acordo com as recomendações da Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) e Tumor Control Probability (TCP). Quanto às doses de irradiação em pulmão, a melhor opção foi a técnica em dois campos ântero-posteriores paralelos e opostos. A medula foi mais poupada quando se utilizaram campos látero-laterais. Sugerimos a combinação de pelo menos duas técnicas de tratamento: ântero-posterior e as técnicas com campos em "Y", "T" ou látero-laterais, para o balanceamento das doses em pulmões e medula espinhal. Ou, ainda, a utilização de técnicas de três campos durante todo o tratamento

Radiotherapy techniques for esophageal cancer were compared using a three-dimensional planning system. We studied the following treatment techniques used for a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus: two antero-posterior and two latero-lateral parallel opposed fields, three fields ("Y" and "T"), and four fields ("X"). Dose-volume histograms were obtained considering spinal cord and lungs as organs at risk. Analysis was performed comparing doses in these organs as recommended by the Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) and Tumor Control Probability (TCP). When only the lungs were considered the best technique was two antero-posterior parallel opposed fields. The spinal cord was best protected using latero-lateral fields. We suggest the combination of at least two treatment techniques: antero-posterior fields with "Y" or "T" techniques, or latero-lateral fields in order to balance the doses in the lungs and the spinal cord. Another option may be the use of any of the three-field techniques during the whole treatment.

Actualización en el uso del sistemas pantalla-película en radiología convencional / Update in screen-film systems use in conventional radiology

En la mayoría de los Servicios y Centros Radiológicos de nuestro país se utilizan los sistemas detectores de pantalla-película de fósforos de tierras raras con emisión de luz verde y película sencible a la misma; sin embargo, en algunos Centros del Sistema Público de Salud aún se utilizan pantalla película convencionales de tungstato de calcio, que emite luz azul, con película sencible a este color (por ej: en el Hospital San Juan de Dios, Peumo, Quillota, Puerto Natales, San José de Maipo). El objetivo del presente artículo es proporcionar a los profesionales herramientas que les permitan optimizar el empleo de los sistemas detectores, que son elementos accesorios de gran importancia de la abtención de imágenes radiográficas de alta calidad diagnóstica, logrando además disminuir la dosis de irradiación al paciente y una mayor duración del tubo de rayos X, entre otras características

Análise de filmes radiográficos rejeitados: parâmetro para um programa de garantia da qualidade / Analysis of the rejectable radiographic films: parameter to a quality assurance program

A análise de filmes radiográficos rejeitados serve como parâmetro para justificar um Programa de Garantia de Qualidade (PGQ). Esta análise torna possível identificar os tipos de exames em que ocorra mais frequentemente a rejeição, o tamanho de filme mais rejeitado e a causa. Permite considerar acerca da competência do pessoal técnico envolvido, problemas nos equipamentos, revelação do filme e posicionamento do paciente.

The analisys of rejected radiographic films are used like a justification to do a Quality Control Program. This analisy makes possible to identify wich is the most rejected exam type, what size of film has greater number of rejection and the cause of that. The competence of technical people involved, troubles in the equipments, in processment of the film and how to positioning pacients can be avaluated