Comparative performance evaluation of contrast-detail in full field digital mammography (FFDM) systems using ideal (Hotelling) observer versus automated CDMAM analysis

Abstract

The purpose of our work was to evaluate contrast-detail performance for a range of full field digital mammography systems using Hotelling observer SNR analysis and ascertain whether it can be considered an alternative to CDMAM evaluation. Five FFDM systems were evaluated, which differed in generation (age), Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) behaviour, tube/target combination and detector type. Contrast-detail performance was first analysed using CDMAM phantom analysis and then using the Hotelling observer SNR methodology. The Hotelling observer SNR was calculated for input signal originating from gold discs of varying thicknesses and diameters and then used to estimate the threshold gold thicknesses for each diameter as per CDMAM analysis. There were small differences between the two techniques, especially in small diameter details, which can be attributed to structural characteristics of the CDMAM phantom. The Hotelling observer SNR technique showed lower variability than results from CDMAM analysis. Overall, the Hotelling observer SNR methodology showed variations in the FFDM systems performance consistent with previous findings, demonstrating its value as a performance assessment metric.