'In vivo' average glandular dose evaluation: one-to-one comparison between digital breast tomosynthesis and...

We analysed 300 patients X rayed with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and 'COMBO' (single view both in FFDM and DBT in a single breast compression)-Hologic Selenia Dimension-W/Rh-Ag-Al: three different anode-filter combinations-automatic exposure control modalities. Examination parameter data collection (EPDC) and 'in vivo' dosimetry using metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) were utilised to determine and compare entrance skin air kerma (ESAK) and average glandular dose (AGD) from a radioprotection viewpoint in the DBT and COMBO modalities. MOSFET has been tested to be introduced in clinical routine. EPDC of DBT underlines increase in ESAK and AGD compared with FFDM (p < 0.05). The mean percentage increase was 34 % (+17 %) in ESAK and 46 % (+16 %) in AGD. In the COMBO modality, the mean percentage increase in ESAK was 162 % (+41 %) and in AGD was 202 % (+61 %). Differences between MOSFET measurement and calculated values were <8 % for breasts thicker than 30 mm; otherwise, the errors are >15 %. DBT increases ESAK and AGD, due to the 3D acquisition modality. MOSFET may be considered in DBT as a routine check.