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How mammographic breast density affects radiologists' visual search patterns.

Dana S Al Mousa¹, Patrick C Brennan¹, Elaine A Ryan¹

¹Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG), Discipline of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus, East St, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, New South Wales 2141, Australia.

Academic Radiology

|August 31, 2014

Summary

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Radiologists’ visual search patterns are affected by mammographic breast density. Dense breast tissue attracts more attention, leading to faster lesion detection within dense areas compared to outside them.

Area of Science:

Radiology
Medical Imaging
Breast Cancer Screening

Background:

Mammographic breast density is a significant factor influencing breast cancer risk and mammogram interpretation.
Understanding how radiologists search for abnormalities in dense breasts is crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of mammographic breast density on radiologists' visual search strategies during digital mammogram interpretation.
To quantify differences in search patterns related to lesion location within or outside dense fibroglandular tissue.

Main Methods:

Seven radiologists interpreted 149 digital mammograms with varying breast densities.
Observer search patterns were recorded, measuring examination time, time to lesion detection, dwell time, and fixation counts.

Keywords:

Digital mammography breast cancer mammographic breast density radiologists' visual search

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Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Main Results:

Lesions overlying fibroglandular dense tissue were detected faster than those outside dense areas (P = .001).
Longer dwell times (P = .003) and more fixations (P = .0003) were observed for lesions within dense tissue compared to those outside.

Conclusions:

Mammographic breast density alters radiologists' visual search behavior.
Dense parenchyma draws more visual attention, facilitating quicker detection of lesions within these areas and increasing engagement time.