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The purpose of this paper is to describe the automation of quality control procedures on photostimulable imaging plates by means of an image-processing tool providing automatic reading of the images and automatic calculation of the quality parameters monitored. Quality-control procedures were performed according to the main available guidelines. The quality assurance programme was applied to several Kodak and Philips devices in four radiological departments. The automatic imageprocessing tool was developed using public domain software (Java-based ImageJ software) and contains both reading and computation procedures. The quality checks and algorithms described were successfully applied, proving useful for identification of defective plates and for implementation of the quality assurance programme. The use of automation allowed significant savings in the time required for quality checks. Completely automated image reading allows substantial economic and human resources savings, as it eliminates much of the transfer, reproduction, processing and filing procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis and follow-up of Crohn disease (CD) often require invasive instrumental examinations, with a high risk of iatrogenic damage. Ultrasound (US) examination of bowel walls could be the first choice in managing patients with CD. We evaluated the role of tissue color power Doppler (CPD) and B-mode US with intravenous injection of contrast medium in the detection of disease activity. In our series, 52 patients with CD underwent US examination. Each study was completed with tissue CPD and US with intravenous injection of contrast medium (Sono Vue) to evaluate intestinal wall vascularization as an index of disease activity. We then compared our results with those from clinical and laboratory tests and follow-up. Data from US examination with intravenous injection of Sono Vue partly agreed with clinical and laboratory tests and CPD in disease activity evaluation but were most useful in the follow-up. Bowel US examination associated with CPD and in particular US contrast medium injection can be used to detect CD activity and modulate therapy and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]