Comparison of spatial resolution between tomographic images and ghosts in rotational panoramic radiography: the effect of the first slit width

Abstract

Rotational panoramic radiography projects the object placed within the focal trough as tomographic images with minimal distortion. However, even if an object is within the focal trough, the sharpness of the image is affected by the position of the object, the difference in the relative speed of the X-ray source against the film and the difference in the direction of rotation. In this study, spatial resolutions of ghosts and tomographic images were compared. Ghosts, as well as tomographic images, were obtained from the object placed in the focal trough. The effects of the width of the first slit, a major parameter affecting image quality, were the primary concern in this study. With regard to ghosts, the influence of the position of object, in terms of central, buccal and lingual regions the focal trough, was also analyzed. The target of analysis was the mandibular ramus region. An Orthopantomograph OP5, a conventional panoramic apparatus, was used. An X-ray test chart, X-ray beams, and H-D curve were prepared for calculation of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), and the slit method using the Fourier transforms was applied. When the width of the first slit was changed displacement of MTF curves was most remarkable for the superimposed tomographic image which was scanned 10 mm posterior to the X-axis connecting the right and left lateral rotation centers. For reduction of the spatial resolution of ghosts, it was found effective to use a wider slit and place the object at a position lingual to the central plane.