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A clinical comparison between conventional and digital mammography utilizing computed radiography
D S Brettle1, S C Ward, G J Parkin
1FAXIL, Department of Medical Physics, Leeds General Infirmary, UK.
The British Journal of Radiology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Computed radiography (CR) image quality in mammography is comparable to film-screen, with CR offering higher contrast but lower resolution. Despite occasional dust artifacts, CR performance is similar to traditional methods in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Digital Health
Background:
- Previous studies with mammographic test objects suggested computed radiography (CR) image quality nears conventional film-screen performance.
- Clinical validation is needed to correlate test object findings with real-world mammography scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To subjectively assess the image quality of CR in mammography compared to film-screen.
- To correlate physical image parameters with diagnostic performance using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Main Methods:
- Two experienced mammographers rated noise, sharpness, and contrast on a 5-point scale for 138 mammographic images (CR and film-screen).
- Images included normal cases and those with microcalcifications, masses, or both.
- Observer confidence was recorded to generate ROC curves.
Main Results:
- CR images exhibited higher contrast than film-screen images.
- CR demonstrated lower resolution compared to film-screen.
- Noise levels were similar, but CR images occasionally showed dust artifacts, one mimicking microcalcifications.
- ROC analysis indicated CR performance was comparable to film-screen.
Conclusions:
- Computed radiography (CR) demonstrates comparable diagnostic performance to film-screen mammography.
- Increased contrast in CR may offset its lower resolution, aligning with clinical observations.
- CR is a viable alternative for mammography, though artifact management is important.