The healthcare system faces challenges due to staff shortages and high turnover, impacting patient satisfaction. Radiologists need a comprehensive suite of radiology solutions that empower them to capture high-quality images for quick and confident diagnosis, even in difficult conditions. Ideally, this should be achieved with the lowest possible radiation dose for patient safety and a better overall experience.
MUSICA® Image Processing Software by Agfa Radiology Solutions
Agfa radiology Solutions’ MUSICA® image processing software is designed to address this challenge. It can improve image quality even with suboptimal exposures from various X-ray systems, including those using traditional X-ray films and modern DR systems (Digital Radiography) or CR systems (Computed Radiography). To validate this claim, a study was conducted in Germany with six independent radiologists from five different hospitals.
Image quality evaluation by Radiologists
The radiologists evaluated randomly selected images from Agfa Radiology Solutions’ modalities taken by technicians at their sites. A total of 42 images from various body parts were assessed on a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 representing the best image quality.
The results were impressive. The average score for MUSICA®-processed images was above 4.5 for every exam type. Even for challenging body regions, the lowest average score was 4.57 out of 5. Notably, 55% of the evaluated images were from patients with overweight or obesity, demonstrating MUSICA®’s consistent performance across diverse conditions regardless of the X-ray system used.
Dose reduction with MUSICA®
The study also evaluated dose reduction. The researchers collected data from 200 images from the same hospitals and compared them to national dose reference levels. MUSICA®-processed images achieved an average image quality of 4.6 while using only half of the national dose level requirements on average.
For example, in the case of a lumbar spine AP (anterior-posterior) scan, the average dose was less than one-third of the national reference level. This signifies a significant reduction in radiation exposure for patients while maintaining excellent image quality for accurate diagnoses, regardless of the X-ray system being used.
How MUSICA® works
MUSICA®’s effectiveness is due to its multiscale image processing capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. It enhances noise suppression, offers brightness control, and reduces scatter glare, resulting in superior image quality.
Here’s a simplified explanation of the process:
The image is decomposed into smaller sections. MUSICA® analyses various aspects of each section, such as gain and contrast to noise ratio. Based on the analysis, adjustments are made to the image section. Steps 1-3 are repeated multiple times with progressively smaller sections. The resulting layers are combined to create the final image with improved quality.
Conclusion
Agfa Radiology Solutions’ MUSICA® software has been validated through a clinical study demonstrating its effectiveness. If you are interested in learning more about MUSICA®, you can contact Agfa Radiology Solutions to schedule a meeting or demo. Imagine a radiology department where you can consistently capture high-quality images with X-ray systems, whether you use traditional X-ray films, advanced DR systems or CR systems, while significantly reducing radiation exposure. MUSICA® can help you achieve this.
