TU-A-217A-04: Radiographic Tomosynthesis: Clinical Applications and Dose

Abstract

Digital Tomosynthesis enables efficient acquisition tomographic images of many different anatomies in a standard radiographic exam. With experience gained over five years since the introduction of commercially available radiographic tomosynthesis imaging systems, there is growing understanding of potential clinical applications where tomosynthesis can improve the detection or diagnosis of pathology. Clinical examples will be used to demonstrate the use of tomosynthesis in many different applications: the detection of lung nodules in thoracic imaging, improved detection of subtle orthopedic fractures, diagnosing rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, imaging the facial bones and sinuses, abdominal imaging, and imaging near metal implants and fixture devices. With increasing utilization of this technique, it is important to understand the dose delivered to the patient so that appropriate selections may be made to obtain the necessary diagnostic information with the lowest reasonable dose. Dosimetric techniques for tomosynthesis and comparisons to standard radiography exams and computed tomography will be discussed Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the numerous clinical applications of radiographic tomosynthesis. 2. Understand the factors required in determining the absolute and relative dosimetry of tomosynthesis exams. 3. Understand the relative dose of common tomosynthesis exams compared to standard radiography and computed tomography exams.Author an employee of GE Healthcare.