TITLE:
Alternative Exposure Parameters and Post Process Noise Reduction Expect Considerable Dose Reduction in Single Mammography Views—Initial Experience on Mastectomy Specimens
AUTHORS:
Adriana M. J. Bluekens, Ruben Evan Engen, Nico Karssemeijer, Klaas H. Schuur, Mireille J. M. Broeders, Gerard J. den Heeten, Gerard J. den Heeten
KEYWORDS:
Digital Mammography; Dose Reduction
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Breast Cancer Research,
Vol.2 No.3,
July
4,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Objective: To
experimentally indicate a lower limit of dose in mammographic imaging yielding
adequate image quality for complementary diagnostic views, by evaluation of
image series with different exposure parameters and additional image processing
on mastectomy specimens with diverse pathology. Methods: Image series were obtained on seven specimens with
different target-filter combinations at different exposure values. Three
experienced radiologists assessed the lowest acceptable dose level per specimen
using a relative grading technique. With the standard image as reference, fibroglandular tissue and
pathological structures, including microcalcifications, were evaluated.
Subsequently, a series of pixel binning processes was tested and subjectively
assessed on the selected images. Results: The lowest dose level at which image quality was acceptable, and achieved with a W/Ag target-filter
combination at 32 kV and 4 mAs. These images can be acquired with 10.4% to 22.4% of the average glandular dose in
standard images. Post process pixel binning added to the interpretability of
such low dose images. Conclusion: This specimen study suggests that dose level of mammography images might be
reduced substantially by general application of a W/Ag spectrum, particularly
when combined with post process noise reduction. Future studies should focus on
the feasibility of this technique in clinical mammography.