Abstract
We compared reconstruction algorithms [filtered back projection (FBP), maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM), and the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT)] in terms of the radiation dose and image quality, for exploring the possibility of decreasing the radiation dose during digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The three algorithms were implemented using a DBT system and experimentally evaluated using measurements, such as signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) and intensity profile, on a BR3D phantom (infocus plane image). The possible radiation dose reduction, contrast improvement, and artifact reduction in DBT were evaluated using different exposure levels and the three reconstruction techniques. We performed statistical analysis (one-way analysis of variance) of the SDNR data. The effectiveness of each technique for enhancing the visibility of the BR3D phantom was quantified with regard to SDNR (FBP versus MLEM, P < 0.05; FBP vs. SIRT, P < 0.05; MLEM vs. SIRT, P = 0.945); the artifact reduction was quantified with regard to the intensity profile. MLEM and SIRT produced reconstructed images with SDNR values indicative of low-contrast visibility. The SDNR value for the half-radiation dose MLEM and SIRT images was close to that of the FBP reference radiation dose image. Artifacts were decreased in the MLEM and SIRT images (in the infocus plane) according to the intensity profiles that we obtained. With MLEM and SIRT, the radiation dose may be decreased to half comparison with FBP.
Highlights
Tomosynthesis is a limited-angle image reconstruction method where a dataset of projections acquired at regular intervals during a single acquisition pass is used to reconstruct planar sections post priori
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a promising technique for improving early detection rates of breast cancer [2] [3] because it can provide three-dimensional (3D) structural information by reconstructing an entire image volume from a sequence of projection-view mammograms acquired at a small number of projection angles over a limited angular range; the total radiation dose is comparable with that used during conventional mammography screening
The results revealed that maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) and simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT) produced reconstructed images with features (6.3 mm φ and 4.7 mm φ, respectively) with no artifacts in the horizontal direction
Summary
Tomosynthesis is a limited-angle image reconstruction method where a dataset of projections acquired at regular intervals during a single acquisition pass is used to reconstruct planar sections post priori. Tomosynthesis provides the additional benefits of digital imaging [1] [2] as well as the tomographic benefits of computed tomography at decreased radiation doses and lower costs, using an approach that can be implemented in conjunction with radiography. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a promising technique for improving early detection rates of breast cancer [2] [3] because it can provide three-dimensional (3D) structural information by reconstructing an entire image volume from a sequence of projection-view mammograms acquired at a small number of projection angles over a limited angular range; the total radiation dose is comparable with that used during conventional mammography screening. This report was evaluated with a limited experiment [FBP vs algebraic IR: simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT) [11], and use of simple contrast-detail phantom]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call