Work

Image quality comparison of synthesized two‐dimensional images and digital mammography in breast tomosynthesis: A quantitative analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer‐related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer using high‐quality mammography is essential for improving prognosis and treatment outcomes. Digital breast tomosynthesis with synthesized two‐dimensional mammography (SM) reduces dose and tissue overlap; however, its comprehensive physical evaluations remain limited. Purpose This study quantitatively compared the image quality of conventional digital mammography (DM) and SM acquired using the AMULET Innovality System. Methods Polymethyl methacrylate, American College of Radiology, and contrast‐detail (CD) mammography phantoms were imaged 10 times in both DM and SM modes. Image quality metrics, including signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) maps, noise power spectrum (NPS), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), modulation transfer function (MTF), and CD curves, were evaluated. Results DM demonstrated higher SNR uniformity and suppressed low‐ and high‐frequency noise, and the CNR values were 1.3–2 times greater than those of SM across all object sizes. MTF analysis showed superior resolution in DM (MTF(f50), 4.0 cycles/mm) compared with that of the SM (2.5 cycles/mm). CD curve analysis confirmed the better detectability of fine structures in DM, with values of 134.9 for DM and 56.7 for SM. Conclusions Quantitative phantom‐based evaluation demonstrated that DM showed superior performance to SM in several physical image quality metrics, including SNR uniformity, noise characteristics, spatial resolution, and contrast–detail detectability. These findings indicate systematic differences in physical image quality between DM and SM; however, further observer and clinical studies are required to clarify how these differences translate to diagnostic performance in clinical practice.

Source: Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics

DOI: 10.1002/acm2.70574

Authors: Kazumi Sogabe, Sho Maruyama, Nao Koyama, Hiroki Saito

Institutions: Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Gunma Prefectural College of Health Sciences, Teikyo University Hospital, Teikyo University

Language: English

Topic: Digital Radiography and Breast Imaging

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $900