Digital breast tomosynthesis: Dose and image quality assessment

Maldera, A.; Marco, Paolo De; Colombo, P.E.; Origgi, Daniela; Torresin, A.

doi:10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.12.004

Cited by 42 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Especially for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), many investigations determining the impact of scanning angle, dose distribution, and reconstruction filters on the MTF were carried out. Most commonly, a wire phantom containing a tungsten wire or a slanted edge is used to measure the MTF . Yet, as the proposed scanning geometry is different from the one used in DBT, where the detector usually remains static, the mentioned studies do not cover an analysis of the proposed acquisition technique.…”

Section: Introduction and Purposementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most commonly, a wire phantom containing a tungsten wire or a slanted edge is used to measure the MTF. [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Yet, as the proposed scanning geometry is different from the one used in DBT, where the detector usually remains static, the mentioned studies do not cover an analysis of the proposed acquisition technique.…”

Section: Introduction and Purposementioning

confidence: 99%

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High‐speed slot‐scanning radiography using small‐angle tomosynthesis: Investigation of spatial resolution

et al. 2019

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Purpose This paper studies spatial resolution that is achievable with a fast slot‐scanning tomosynthesis approach for orthopedic examinations. Hereby, we use parallel scanning motion implemented in a twin robotic x‐ray system. Methods We have measured and analyzed the modulation transfer function (MTF) for various combinations of scanning speed, x‐ray tube voltage, pulse length, the nominal focal spot size as well as source‐to‐object distances. Moreover, we present a theoretical model which describes the system in terms of the MTF. The system was equipped with newly developed linear trajectory prototypes for slot scanning. The acquired images form the basis for a small‐angle tomosynthesis reconstruction. In total, three different scanning speeds (27, 14, 8 cm/s), pulse lengths (1, 2, 4 ms), tube voltages (80, 100, 120 kV), two nominal focal spot sizes (0.6, 1.0), and three source‐to‐object distances (950, 1050, 1150 mm) were investigated. To determine the resolution capabilities, we measured the MTF for the given parameter space. The results were then used to design a filter that yields a desired resolution in the reconstructed image. In addition, we also measured the noise power spectrum (NPS) to show the influence of the aforementioned filters on the noise distribution. Results We have shown that the presented model is in good agreement with the performed measurements. Scanning speed and pulse width have an impact on the MTF in the scanning direction. Up to a travel distance of 0.3 mm during an x‐ray pulse, an isotropic resolution can be achieved. Longer pulse width or higher scanning speed cause anisotropic resolution. Moreover, it is shown that none of the investigated parameters have an influence on the MTF perpendicular to the scanning direction (slot direction). The 10% MTF value ranges between 9 and 18 lp/cm in the scanning direction and about 18 lp/cm in slot direction. Tube voltage, nominal focal spot size as well as the source‐to‐object distance showed no major impact on the system MTF. In terms of the anisotropic resolution capabilities, we have shown that limiting the resolution in the slot direction to obtain isotropic resolution is possible yet at the cost of an inhomogeneous noise pattern. However, maintaining the resolution in slot direction will provide a better edge response and a more homogeneous noise texture at the cost of an inhomogeneous image resolution. Conclusions We have demonstrated the feasibility of the slot‐scanning technique using a twin‐robotic x‐ray system. Even the fastest scanning mode (27 cm/s) yields image resolution on a level that is sufficient for typical orthopedic examinations in terms of musculoskeletal (MSK) measurements. Moreover, it could be shown that the application of specifically designed target MTFs on two‐dimensional x‐ray images is feasible.

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Section: Introduction and Purposementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introduction and Purposementioning

confidence: 99%

High‐speed slot‐scanning radiography using small‐angle tomosynthesis: Investigation of spatial resolution

et al. 2019

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“…Indeed, tomographic techniques like X-ray computed tomography (CT) are known to reproduce with high contrast the body or organ 3D anatomy. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT)-which produces pseudo-tomographic 3D images of the compressed breast with anisotropic resolution [1][2][3][4]-is routinely adopted in the clinic for second level examinations; clinical reports for its application in screening studies have been presented recently [5]. In the last few years, following the techniques and scanning strategy initially proposed by Boone et al [6] and Chen and Ning [7], cone-beam CT dedicated to the breast (BCT) [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] received regulatory approval in USA and marketing licence in the European Union (for a recent review, see [14]).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monte Carlo evaluation of glandular dose in cone-beam X-ray computed tomography dedicated to the breast: Homogeneous and heterogeneous breast models

et al. 2018

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“…[5][6][7][8][9] Compared with the single projection image of mammography, in digital breast tomosynthesis, multiple low-dose projections are acquired from different angles and subsequently used to produce stacks of image slices, which can in part reduce the mammography overlapping effect, however, with rather low resolution in the z-direction. 10 Dedicated breast computed tomography (B-CT) systems have been recently introduced, which can provide cross-sectional images with high isotropic spatial resolution and better soft tissue (ST) contrast. Breast computed tomography has the potential to further improve breast lesion detection and characterization compared with mammography and tomosynthesis.…”

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confidence: 99%

Dedicated Breast Computed Tomography With a Photon-Counting Detector

et al. 2019

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OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work is to present the data obtained from the first clinical in vivo application of a new dedicated spiral breast computed tomography (B-CT) equipped with a photon-counting detector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. Twelve women referred for breast cancer screening were included and underwent bilateral spiral B-CT acquired in prone position. Additional sonography was performed in case of dense breast tissue or any B-CT findings. In 3 women, previous mammography was available for comparison. Soft tissue (ST) and high-resolution (HR) images were reconstructed. Two independent radiologists performed separately the readout for subjective image quality and for imaging findings detection. Objective image quality evaluation was performed in consensus and included spatial resolution, contrast resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio. All women were asked to report about positioning comfort and overall comfort during data acquisition. RESULTS: The major pectoral muscle was included in 15 breast CT scans (62.5%); glandular component was partially missing in 2 (8.3%) of the 24 scanned breasts. A thin "ring artifact" was present in all scans but had no influence on image interpretations; no other artifacts were present. Subjective image quality assessment showed excellent agreement between the 2 readers (= 1). Three masses were depicted in B-CT and were confirmed as simple cysts in sonography. Additional 5 simple cysts and 2 solid benign lesions were identified only in sonography. A total of 12 calcifications were depicted with a median size of 1.1 mm (interquartile range, 0.7-1.7 mm) on HR and 1.4 mm (interquartile range, 1.1-1.8 mm) on ST images. Median SNRgl, SNRfat, and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher in ST than in HR reconstructions (each, P < 0.001). A mild discomfort due to positioning of the rib cage on the table was reported by 2 women (16.7%); otherwise, no discomfort was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The new dedicated B-CT equipped with a photon-counting detector provides high-quality images with potential for screening of breast cancer along with minor patient discomfort.

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Digital breast tomosynthesis: Dose and image quality assessment

Cited by 42 publications

References 30 publications

High‐speed slot‐scanning radiography using small‐angle tomosynthesis: Investigation of spatial resolution

High‐speed slot‐scanning radiography using small‐angle tomosynthesis: Investigation of spatial resolution

Monte Carlo evaluation of glandular dose in cone-beam X-ray computed tomography dedicated to the breast: Homogeneous and heterogeneous breast models

Dedicated Breast Computed Tomography With a Photon-Counting Detector

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