Contrast visibility of simulated microcalcifications in full field mammography systems

Ann-Katherine Carton; Hilde Bosmans; Chantal Van Ongeval; Geert Souverijns; Frank Rogge; Guy Marchal

doi:10.1117/12.480092

22 May 2003 Contrast visibility of simulated microcalcifications in full field mammography systems

Ann-Katherine Carton, Hilde Bosmans, Chantal Van Ongeval, Geert Souverijns, Frank Rogge, Guy Marchal

Proceedings Volume 5034, Medical Imaging 2003: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480092
Event: Medical Imaging 2003, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We evaluated the visibility of simulated subtle microcalcifications in real digital mammograms acquired with a flat-panel system (GE) and a CR system (Fuji). Ideal templates of microcalcifications were created, based on the attenuation characteristics of subtle microcalcifications from biopsied specimen in magnified images. X-ray transmission coefficients were expressed in Al-equivalent thickness. In this way, the X-ray transmission of a particular lesion could be re-calculated for other X-ray beams, different mammography systems and for different breast thickness. Extra corrections for differences in spatial resolution were based on the pre-sampled MTF. Zero to 10 simulated microcalcifications were randomly distributed in square frames. These software phantoms were then inserted in sets of raw mammograms of the modalities under study. The composed images were compressed, processed and printed as in clinical routine. Two experienced radiologists indicated the locations of the microcalcifications and rated their detection confidence. It is possible to assess the visibility of 'well controlled’ microcalcifications in digital clinical mammograms. Microcalcifications were better visible in the CR images than in the flat panel images. This psychophysical method comes close to the radiologists’ practice. It allows fpr including processing and visualization in the analysis and was well appreciated by our radiologists.

Citation Download Citation

Ann-Katherine Carton, Hilde Bosmans, Chantal Van Ongeval, Geert Souverijns, Frank Rogge, and Guy Marchal "Contrast visibility of simulated microcalcifications in full field mammography systems", Proc. SPIE 5034, Medical Imaging 2003: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment, (22 May 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480092

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