Dark-Field Chest X-rays Could Improve Diagnosis, Early Detection

With the ability to show the lung microstructure in more detail than traditional chest x-rays, dark-field chest X-ray imaging could allow for improved detection and diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. Researchers suggest this technology could offer an early detection screening option to healthcare providers.

“In the future dark-field X-rays could help improve early detection of COPD and other respiratory ailments,” Alexander Fingerle, MD, of the Technical University of Munich (TUM)’s university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, in Germany, and the study’s co-first author, said in a press release.

“Given the close connection between the alveolar structure and the functional condition of the lung, this ability [to provide additional information on lung microstructure] is of great significance for pulmonary medicine,” Fingerle said.

Importantly, Fingerle and the research team noted, the new technique uses 50 times less radiation than thorax CT scans, supporting its broad use as an effective screening and follow-up tool.

Read the article it its entirety at COPD News Today.