ABSTRACT

We evaluated the frequency of nodule detection with a chest radiograph and the factors may affect this ratio in our retrospective study.

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.

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.

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.