Objective: To compare image quality and breast density of two reconstruction methods, the widely-used filtered-back projection (FBP) reconstruction and the iterative heuristic Bayesian inference reconstruction (Bayesian inference reconstruction plus the method of total variation applied, HBI). Methods: Thirty-two clinical DBT data sets with malignant and benign findings, n = 27 and 17, respectively, were reconstructed using FBP and HBI. Three experienced radiologists evaluated the images independently using a 5-point visual grading scale and classified breast density according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging-Reporting And Data System Atlas, fifth edition. Image quality metrics included lesion conspicuity, clarity of lesion borders and spicules, noise level, artifacts surrounding the lesion, visibility of parenchyma and breast density. Results: For masses, the image quality of HBI reconstructions was superior to that of FBP in terms of conspicuity,clarity of lesion borders and spicules (p < 0.01). HBI and FBP were not significantly different in calcification conspicuity. Overall, HBI reduced noise and supressed artifacts surrounding the lesions better (p < 0.01). The visibility of fibroglandular parenchyma increased using the HBI method (p < 0.01). On average, five cases per radiologist were downgraded from BI-RADS breast density category C/D to A/B. Conclusion: HBI significantly improves lesion visibility compared to FBP. HBI-visibility of breast parenchyma increased, leading to a lower breast density rating. Applying the HBIR algorithm should improve the diagnostic performance of DBT and decrease the need for additional imaging in patients with dense breasts. Advances in knowledge: Iterative heuristic Bayesian inference (HBI) image reconstruction substantially improves the image quality of breast tomosynthesis leading to a better visibility of breast carcinomas and reduction of the perceived breast density compared to the widely-used filtered-back projection (FPB) reconstruction. Applying HBI should improve the accuracy of breast tomosynthesis and reduce the number of unnecessary breast biopsies. It may also reduce the radiation dose for the patients, which is especially important in the screening context.
The traditional tomography is an effective remedy for medical diagnostics, nondestructive control of industrial designs and for quality check of industrial products. Tomographic visualization of objects in case of an incomplete viewing angle, limited number of projections and/or the insufficient power of a source of x-ray radiation is strongly incorrect return task. Article is devoted to case research when noise in input data significantly affect convergence and quality of the reconstructed image.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.