Comparison of Image Quality of 2 dimensional Digital Mammography and Synthesized 2 dimensional Projection Image from 3-imensional Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of reconstructed 2-dimensional (2D) images from 3 dimensional (3D) digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in the same patients.

Materials and Methods: A total of 142 patients (mean age 52.9 years, range 36-78 years), who underwent both DBT and FFDM, was included. Synthesized 2D projection images (C View) were reconstructed. Overall image quality, contrast, noise, and visibility of masses and microcalcificaitons were classified using a 5-score scale (1; not acceptable, 2; poor, 3; moderate, 4; good, and 5; excellent) and were compared between FFDM and C View. Cancer probability was scored only in 25 patients with pathologic confirmation. The area under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) of C View and FFDM were calculated.

Results: The scales of image quality, contrast, noise, and mass visibility of FFDM and C View were not statistically different (P=0.211, 0.211, 0.200, and 0.340). Microcalcifications were better visualized on C View than on FFDM (P=0.001). The AUC of C View was 0.981, not significantly different from 0.956 of FFDM (P=0.387).

Conclusion: C View demonstrated comparable image quality, contrast, noise, and mass visibility with FFDM. Microcalcifications were better visualized on C View than on FFDM.