Evaluation of automated CDMAM readings for non-standard CDMAM imaging conditions: grid-less acquisitions and scatter correction

Abstract

Recently, Siemens introduced a software-based scatter correction in combination with grid-less digital mammography for dose-reduced breast imaging. In this study, the potential dose reduction when compared with using a grid was calculated. Image quality was evaluated using the CDMAM phantom. Nine hundred and sixty CDMAM measurements were performed with and without grid. The images were analysed with the CDCOM software. The correlation of CDCOM readings of gold thickness thresholds with human readings for grid-less imaging was found to be linear, with slope 2.157 and off-set 0.024 (R(2) = 1), validating the further use of CDCOM. Dose reduction for 21, 32, 45, 60, 75 and 90 mm equivalent breast thickness was found to be 28, 17, 21, 18, 8 and 3 %. Scatter correction did not influence CDCOM readings, but image homogeneity was improved. Grid-less acquisitions, with or without scatter correction, can be used for reducing the dose while maintaining image quality as evaluated from the CDMAM phantom.