Abstract
A new radiographic method for gastric cancer mass surveying has been reported to be useful for gastric cancer screening and is currently being used in many medical facilities. However, there are many gaps in the quality of X-ray images between facilities, as well as between technicians. In an attempt to resolve this problem, we developed new criteria based on contrast effects for the visual evaluation of stomach X-ray images (grades A to E). A total of 60 cases (20 cases at each facility) with stomach X-ray images taken at three facilities participating in the Kagoshima Gastrointestinal Imaging Research Meeting were evaluated according to the criteria. The results were discussed by the members of the meeting. We found gaps in the quality of X-ray images between facilities. As for good images (grades A and B), we found differences in 45% of the results for the U area between facility 2 and facility 3. We also found differences in 45% of the results for the L area between facility 2 and facility 3. The main cause of the gaps was the difference between the radiographic methods used at those facilities. Evaluation of the grading of X-ray images and discussion between facilities are important for improving the techniques and the image quality.
