This term usually refers to the storage of patient data and images. Images are best archived in digital form (e.g., on optical disks, DVDs, PACS systems) and not only on films (hard copies, prints). Data compression via a reduction in matrix size, pixel depth or CT numbers, will result in a loss of spatial and contrast resolution. Digital images should be converted into a universal format such as DICOM. Raw data saving is necessary when additional image reconstructions are required.

See also Picture Archiving and Communication System, and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine.

Arrhythmia rejection is a method to reject irregular RR intervals (time duration between two consecutive R waves of the electrocardiogram) in cardiac gating during cardiovascular imaging and to improve the image quality, whereby the cardiac frequency is used as the basis of the normal heart rate. The RR interval window determines the percentage variation of the heart rate. Variations of the acquired data outside the window are rejected and not used in the image reconstruction. Also one interval after the arrhythmic beat will be rejected. Arrhythmia rejection may be inappropriate for patients with certain pathologies, because if the RR interval is constant long, short, long, - all intervals would be rejected.

Contrast is the relative difference of intensities in two adjacent regions of an image. When referring to computed tomography (CT), contrast is defined as a difference in Hounsfield units between structures. The measurement of contrast resolution in CT imaging involves determining how easy it is to differentiate tissues whose CT density is similar to that of their surroundings. An image lacks contrast when there are no sharp differences between black and white. Brightness refers to the overall lightness or darkness of an image.
The contrast between air, soft tissue, and bones in x-ray and CT images is based on their different absorption of x-rays. Differences in tissue density, thickness and changes of the x-ray spectrum have consequences for image contrast, image noise as well as patient dose.
Optimized tube current, collimation, pitch and image reconstruction improves the contrast. Higher image contrast is produced by increased slice thickness, smaller matrix, and large field of view which results in large voxel size; high mAs to reduce noise; low pass filter.

See also Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography.

A convolution filter is a mathematical filter function (also called kernel). During image reconstruction of computed tomography scans, various types of convolution filters e.g., to smooth or to enhance edges, can be selected according to the tissue characteristics.

See also Raw Data.

Diaphanography is a noninvasive breast imaging technique used in diagnosis of breast disease. The breast is illuminated with low intensity light and the transmission pattern of red and near-infrared radiation is detected. After amplification and reconstruction, the images are displayed on a monitor.
Results from diaphanography tend to show lower sensitivities and specificities than are found in diagnostic mammography studies. Light scanning (diaphanography and transillumination) is not recommended for screening or diagnostic evaluation of the breast.