[Digital storage phosphor mammography in a magnification technic: experimental studies for spatial resolution and for detection of microcalcifications]

Since the routine use of storage phosphor systems for mammography has been limited by its inadequate spatial resolution of 5 linepairs/mm, a combination of a magnification mammography technique with storage phosphor plates was investigated to detect microcalcifications.

A new mammography system with a microfocus tube using an anode of 0.05-0.12 mm allowed to obtain survey views of the breast with 1.7x magnification (m), and spot views with 4x magnification. The digital image receptor comprised a high resolution storage phosphor plate. To determine spatial resolution, contrast transfer curves were obtained, and the detection of microcalcifications was investigated by ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis.

Spatial resolution for digital survey views (m = 1.7) was 8 linepairs/mm and for spot views (m = 4) was 18 linepairs/mm. ROC analysis demonstrated a significantly higher performance of the digital magnification technique compared to the conventional screen-film mammography technique.

The limitations of digital mammography with respect to spatial resolution can be overcome by using a high magnification technique.