Purpose: Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) is currently undergoing validation for potential clinical implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for DTS as a low-dose alternative to computed tomography (CT) in imaging of pulmonary pathology in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: DTS and CT were performed as part of the routine triannual follow-up in 31 CF patients. Extent of disease was quantified according to modality-specific scoring systems. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r) and Krippendorff’s alpha (α). Major findings: The median effective dose was 0.14 for DTS and 2.68 for CT. Intermodality correlation was very strong for total score and the subscores regarding bronchiectasis and bronchial wall-thickening (r = 0.82–0.91, P < 0.01). Interobserver reliability was high for total score, bronchiectasis and mucus plugging (α = 0.83–0.93) in DTS. Conclusion: Chest tomosynthesis could be a low-dose alternative to CT in quantitative estimation of structural lung disease in CF.

中文翻译：

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囊性纤维化中肺部病理学的量化——数字胸部断层合成与计算机断层扫描之间的比较

目的：数字断层合成（DTS）目前正在验证潜在的临床意义。本研究的目的是探讨 DTS 作为计算机断层扫描 (CT) 的低剂量替代方案在囊性纤维化 (CF) 患者肺部病理成像中的潜力。方法：对 31 名 CF 患者进行 DTS 和 CT 作为常规三年随访的一部分。根据特定形式的评分系统对疾病的范围进行量化。统计分析包括 Spearman 等级相关系数 (r) 和 Krippendorff α (α)。主要发现：DTS 的中位有效剂量为 0.14，CT 为 2.68。总分和支气管扩张和支气管壁增厚的子评分的多模式相关性非常强（r = 0.82-0.91，P < 0.01）。DTS 中总分、支气管扩张和粘液堵塞 (α = 0.83–0.93) 的观察者间可靠性很高。结论：胸部断层合成可以作为 CT 的低剂量替代方法，用于定量评估 CF 的结构性肺病。