A Novel Phantom for Standardized Microcalcification Detection Developed Using a Crystalline Growth System

The accurate detection of microcalcifications in mammograms is critical for the early detection of breast cancer. However, the variability between different manufacturers is significant, particularly with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Manufacturers have many design differences, including sweep angles, detector types, reconstruction techniques, filters, and focal spot construction. This study outlined the development of an innovative phantom model using crystallizations to improve the accuracy of imaging microcalcifications in DBT. The goal of these models was to achieve consistent evaluations, thereby reducing the variability between different scanners.

We created a novel phantom model that simulates different types of breast tissue densities with calcifications. Furthermore, these crystalline-grown phantoms can more accurately represent the physiological shapes and compositions of microcalcifications than do other available phantoms for calcifications and can be evaluated on different systems. Microcalcification patterns were generated using the evaporation of sodium chloride, transplantation of calcium carbonate crystals, and/or injection of hydroxyapatite. These patterns were embedded in multiple layers within the wax to simulate various depths and distributions of calcifications with the ability to generate a large variety of patterns.

The tomosynthesis imaging revealed phantoms that utilized calcium carbonate crystals showed demonstrable visualization differences between the 3D DBT reconstructions and the magnification/2D view, illustrating the model's value. The phantom was able to highlight changes in the contrast and resolution, which is crucial for accurate microcalcification evaluation.

Based on the crystalline growth, this phantom model offers an important new standardized target for evaluating DBT systems. By promoting standardization, especially through the development of advanced breast calcification phantoms, this work and design aimed to contribute to improving earlier and more accurate breast cancer detection.