Color-Enhanced Chest Roentgenography: A Feasibility Report

¹ Staff Radiologist, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida; Instructor, Department of Radiology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
² Brooke Industries, New York, N.Y.
³ Chief, Division of Pulmonary Diseases, Mount Sinai Mediical Center, Miami Beach, Florida; Professor of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine

Failure of visual perception of abnormalities accounts for a substantial proportion of diagnostic errors on chest roentgenograms. Visual theories indicate that the eye can differentiate more accurately between shades of color than between shades of gray on the conventional roentgenogram. We used a real-time closed circuit color television system which converted black and white roentgenograms into color by assigning ten selected spectral colors to the various shades of gray. Approximately 200 chest roentgenograms were reviewed using color enhancement. We found a recognizable color pattern, similar to a black and white chest roentgenogram. In addition, there was color enhancement to discrete contrast differences not perceived readily on the roengenogram. While color-enhanced roentgenography might have theoretic advantages over conventional roentgenography, a completely new system of interpretation must be learned. Should it be possible to train paramedical personnel in this system, it might be suitable as a mass screening technique.