Objective:
We evaluated the frequency of nodule detection with a chest radiograph and the factors may affect this ratio in our retrospective study.
Material and Methods:
Sixty-seven patients and a total of 103 pulmonary nodules detected in chest Computerized Tomography exists at Picture Archiving and Communication; which had Posterior Anterior radiograms 10 days before or after the Computerized Tomgraphy examination; were included in this study. Thorax CT was used as gold standard technique to evaluate visibility of pulmonary nodules.
Results:
Twenty-one female and 46 males were total of 67 patients. The number of the detectable nodules was 71 (68.9%) and undetectable nodules was 32 (31.1%) respectively. The dimension of nodules and calcification of nodule were found to have an effect on the detection rate, but gender of patient and the placement of nodule were not.
Conclusion:
Even if the super-position and silhouette effect is ruled out, a significant rate of nodules, still can not be seen on chest radiography like 31%. Regardless of whatever condition exists, radiologists must avoid writing quick reports, in order to minimize the error rate.
Keywords: chest radiogram, detection rate, pulmonary nodule