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Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Contrast-to-Noise Ratio Measurements for Next Generation Tomosynthesis
David A Martin1, Trevor L Vent1, Chloe J Choi1
1University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia PA 19104.
Summary
Next-generation tomosynthesis (NGT) systems can acquire images with customized geometries, avoiding missed tissue near the chest wall. New T-shape and bowtie geometries improve signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios, enhancing overall image quality in digital breast tomosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems move the X-ray source parallel to the chest wall.
- This standard acquisition geometry can result in a small volume of missed tissue adjacent to the chest wall.
- Next-generation tomosynthesis (NGT) systems offer customized geometries with source motion parallel and perpendicular to the chest wall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate strategies in DBT to avoid missing tissue near the chest wall.
- To assess the impact of novel acquisition geometries on overall image quality.
- To compare the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of new geometries against conventional DBT.
Main Methods:
- Simulations and physical experiments were conducted using T-shape and bowtie acquisition geometries.
- The conventional DBT geometry served as the control.
- SNR and CNR were measured as a function of location within the reconstructed volume using various phantoms.
Main Results:
- Both T-shape and bowtie geometries successfully avoided missed tissue adjacent to the chest wall.
- While image quality was slightly reduced immediately next to the chest wall, SNR and CNR improved in the majority of the reconstructed volume.
- The T-shape and bowtie geometries demonstrated improved SNR and CNR compared to conventional DBT.
Conclusions:
- Customized tomosynthesis geometries, such as T-shape and bowtie, can mitigate the issue of missed tissue in DBT.
- These novel geometries offer improved image quality metrics (SNR and CNR) over the majority of the breast volume.
- NGT systems with advanced geometries represent a promising advancement for digital breast tomosynthesis.
