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Density correction of peripheral breast tissue on digital mammograms
U Bick1, M L Giger, R A Schmidt
1Department of Radiology, University of Muenster, Germany.
Summary
A new density correction algorithm enhances peripheral breast tissue on digital mammograms. This improves visualization of skin and tissue simultaneously, aiding in mammography interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Computer-Aided Diagnosis
Background:
- Digital mammography display can hinder evaluation of peripheral breast tissue, requiring special window settings.
- Skin and subcutaneous tissue visualization is often challenging on standard digital mammogram displays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an algorithm for selective density correction of peripheral breast tissue in digital mammograms.
- To improve simultaneous evaluation of breast skin and parenchyma without specialized window settings.
Main Methods:
- Automated segmentation of digital mammograms and skin line identification.
- Generation of a fitted enhancement curve to selectively adjust density of peripheral pixels.
- Application of the algorithm to 400 digitized mammograms.
Main Results:
- The density correction algorithm significantly increased the area of simultaneously visualized breast tissue (P < .0001).
- Simultaneous evaluation of skin and parenchyma was achieved without varying window settings.
- Artifacts interfering with interpretation were observed in less than 1% of cases.
Conclusions:
- The density correction algorithm substantially facilitates and improves digital mammogram display.
- This algorithm is a valuable component for integrated computer-aided diagnosis workstations in mammography.
- Enhanced visualization aids in more comprehensive mammographic interpretation.