"Given the close connection between the alveolar structure and the functional condition of the lung, this ability is of great significance for pulmonary medicine," explains Dr. Furthermore, the first clinical results have confirmed that the dark-field X-rays provide additional image information on the underlying microstructure of the lung. "We expect the radiation exposure to be reduced by a factor of fifty," says Franz Pfeiffer. This is because dark-field chest X-rays require only one exposure per patient, as compared to the large number of individual images taken from different directions which are necessary in computed tomography. In addition, an examination using dark-field chest X-ray technology involves a significantly lower radiation dose than presently used computed tomography. those filled with air, and regions in which less intact alveoli exist." "This makes it possible for a dark-field X-ray image of the lung to clearly distinguish between intact alveoli, i.e. "The X-ray dark-field signal is particularly strong for interfaces between air and tissue," Pfeiffer points out. These structures appear in the microscope as bright images on a dark background, which has given the method its name. This allows to visualize the structure of objects that are for the most part transparent. The new method thus uses the physical phenomenon of scattering in a manner similar to the long-known principle of dark-field microscopy with visible light. Dark-field technology on the other hand use the wave nature of X-ray light, which is discarded in conventional X-ray imaging.
In the current issue of "Lancet Digital Health" a research team led by Franz Pfeiffer, Professor for Biomedical Physics and Director of the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering at TUM, is now presenting the results of an initial clinical patient study, which used the new X-ray technology for the diagnosis of the lung disease COPD.Ĭonventional X-ray imaging is based on the attenuation of X-rays on their way through the tissue. Until now there has been no fast and cost-effective option for early detection and follow-up examinations with a low radiation exposure as used in plain chest X-rays.Ī procedure developed at the Technical University of Munich could now fill this gap: dark-field chest X-rays. Detailed diagnostic information is only available using three-dimensional computed tomography approaches, in which the computer assembles many individual images. However, the fine distinctions between healthy and diseased tissue are barely visible on conventional chest X-rays. Partially destroyed alveoli and an over-inflation of the lungs (emphysema) are typical of the life-threatening ailment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Every year more than four million people die of serious respiratory ailments worldwide. There are millions of cases in which serious respiratory system illnesses place limitations on quality of life. This permits broad medical application in early detection and treatment follow-up of respiratory ailments. Dark-field X-rays visualize early changes in the alveolar structure caused by the lung disease COPD and require only one fiftieth of the radiation dose typically applied in X-ray computed tomography. view moreįor the first time, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have successfully used a new X-ray method for respiratory diagnostics with patients.
Franz Pfeiffer, Professor for Biomedical Physics, hopes that this will significantly improve the early detection of lung diseases. Image: The dark field X-ray method visualizes early changes in the alveolar structure as a result of the lung disease COPD.
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