Simulation model of mammographic calcifications based on the american college of radiology breast imaging reporting and data system, or BIRADS

Abstract

The authors developed and evaluated a method for the simulation of calcification clusters based on the guidelines of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System of the American College of Radiology. They aimed to reproduce accurately the relative and absolute size, shape, location, number, and intensity of real calcifications associated with both benign and malignant disease. Thirty calcification clusters were simulated by using the proposed model and were superimposed on real, negative mammograms digitized at 30 microns and 16 bits per pixel. The accuracy of the simulation was evaluated by three radiologists in a blinded study. No statistically significant difference was observed in the observers' evaluation of the simulated clusters and the real clusters. The observers' classification of the cluster types seemed to be a good approximation of the intended types from the simulation design. This model can provide simulated calcification clusters with well-defined morphologic, distributional, and contrast characteristics for a variety of applications in digital mammography.