A scatter correction method for contrast-enhanced dual-energy digital breast tomosynthesis

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Imaging
• Image Processing

Background:

• Scatter degrades image quality in contrast-enhanced dual energy digital breast tomosynthesis (CE-DE-DBT).
• This scatter causes cupping artifacts and inaccurate iodine quantitation, potentially masking lesions.
• Existing scatter correction methods have limitations in clinical applicability or require additional hardware/dose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a patient-specific scatter correction (SC) algorithm for CE-DE-DBT.
• To improve image quality by reducing scatter-induced artifacts and enhancing lesion conspicuity.
• To enable accurate iodine quantitation in CE-DE-DBT.

Main Methods:

• An empirical, patient-specific scatter correction algorithm was developed for CE-DE-DBT.
• The algorithm interpolates scatter data and uses scatter-to-primary-ratios (SPR) derived from phantom measurements.
• Validation was performed using breast-emulating phantoms and a clinical CE-DE-mammographic patient image.

Main Results:

• The SC algorithm achieved approximately 5% error in SPR computation compared to measured values.
• Reconstructed images showed significant reduction in cupping artifacts, improving lesion visibility.
• Iodine quantitation accuracy was independent of phantom thickness after scatter correction.
• A clinical case demonstrated improved visualization of a peripherally located tumor masked by artifacts without SC.

Conclusions:

• The proposed patient-specific SC algorithm effectively reduces scatter artifacts in CE-DE-DBT.
• This method enhances diagnostic accuracy by improving lesion conspicuity and iodine quantitation.
• The algorithm is clinically feasible, requiring no extra hardware or radiation dose, and is easily transferable.