When X Rays Get Overexposed One Of The Signs Is

Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2020

Question: When x rays get overexposed one of the signs is saturated areas of the image(the pixels in the area are either pure white or pure black). Is there any other reasons besides overexposure that this might occur? In newer forms of radiography white does not mean underexposed. So my question is is there any other reasons besides overexposure that the above situation can occur ?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can you specify the X-ray

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Technical aspects like image processing and voltage across the tubes can results in over exposure.
The entitle film shows the features of over exposure and we can not attribute over exposure to a certain lesion only.
Sometimes if there is air trapping in the suspected lesion, it can gives any appearance of over exposure.
It will be better if you mention the part you want to discuss like chest or abdomen so that a better impression can be made. You can also attach a phot of the X-ray if any.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (7 hours later)

It was a lumbar spine x ray lateral view. The bottom part of the image some area of the pixels were completely white making bone and soft tissue not viewable in that area. I know in newer forms of radiology white does NOT mean under exposure. And I know image saturation is a sign of overexposure. So could this have been something other than overexposure?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can go for CT in case of doubt.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It might be due to overlap of pelvic bones with lower spine bones.
If you are in doubt, you can go for a CT with 3-D reconstruction so that we can get a complete anatomical picture with out any doubt.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

What I meant was is there any reason the pixels can be white without overexposure?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Calcification can cause white spots.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
White spots seen when something blocks the entry of rays through your them.
Possible causes may be a calcification or a metal implant.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D