[Mammography using stationary grids. Qualitative and dosimetric considerations]

The authors report their experience with ultra-high-strip-density (UHSD) stationary grids in mammography, based upon dosimetric measurements carried out in a phantom and mammographic examination of 62 patients. Utilization of UHSD grids made it necessary an increase in radiation exposure by a factor 3.5 in a breast 5 cm thick 50% water and 50% fat by weight. Improvement in image-quality is apparent with voltages not exceeding 30 kV, particularly in cases of questionable masses within areas of locally increased breast density. The authors believe that UHSD grids may be useful in selected cases, such as in the performance of adjunctive whole-breast or locally aimed radiograms and in the radiological examination of surgical specimens.