Evaluation of JPEG and wavelet compression of body CT images for direct digital teleradiologic transmission

PURPOSE: To determine acceptable levels of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and wavelet compression for teleradiologic transmission of body computed tomographic (CT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A digital test pattern (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, 512 x 512 matrix) was transmitted after JPEG or wavelet compression by using point-to-point and Web-based teleradiology, respectively. Lossless, 10:1 lossy, and 20:1 lossy ratios were tested. Images were evaluated for high- and low-contrast resolution, sensitivity to small signal differences, and misregistration artifacts. Three independent observers who were blinded to the compression scheme evaluated these image quality measures in 20 clinical cases with similar levels of compression. RESULTS: High-contrast resolution was not diminished with any tested level of JPEG or wavelet compression. With JPEG compression, low-contrast resolution was not lost with 10:1 lossy compression but was lost at 3% modulation with 20:1 lossy compression. With wavelet compression, there, was loss of 1% modulation with 10-1 lossy compression and loss of 5% modulation with 20:1 lossy compression. Sensitivity to small signal differences (5% and 9.5% of the maximal signal) diminished only with 20:1 lossy wavelet compression. With 10:1 lossy compression, misregistration artifacts were mild and were equivalent with JPEG and wavelet compression. Qualitative clinical findings supported these findings. CONCLUSION: Lossy 10:1 compression is suitable for on-call electronic transmission of body CT images as long as original images are subsequently reviewed.