Compressed Breast Thickness Research Articles

Comparison of AAPM TG282 and Dance breast dosimetry models: Impact on estimates of average MGD for the United Kingdom breast screening programmes.

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task group 282 (TG282) in collaboration with the European Federation for Organisations of Medical Physics (EFOMP) have developed a novel breast dosimetry model intended as a single international standard. To explore the impact of TG282 dosimetry on estimates of average Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) in the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) Breast Screening Programmes (BSP). MGDs were estimated, using the TG282 dosimetry model, for the most recent UK NHSBSP dose survey. This dataset included MGDs estimated using the Dance dosimetry model for 439,916 Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) exposures of 111,132 women and 10,831 Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) exposures of 5,113 women. Direct comparisons of the two models were made and differences explored using this large-scale real world dataset. TG282 model MGDs were on average approximately 20% and 15% lower than Dance model values for FFDM and DBT respectively. For the UK National Diagnostic Reference Level (NDRL) breast thickness range of 50mm to 60mm inclusive differences were smaller at approximately 13% and 10% respectively. The difference between dosimetry models was shown to depend on the properties of the imaged population and X-ray equipment used. Average differences of up to 63.1% were observed at higher CBT values for FFDM. On average, the TG282 dosimetry model resulted in lower estimates for MGD in UK mammography. The differences were more pronounced for women with larger than average compressed breast thickness.

Development and validation of the surmising model for volumetric breast density using X-ray exposure conditions in digital mammography.

The use of breast density as a biomarker for breast cancer treatment has not been well established owing to the difficulty in measuring time-series changes in breast density. In this study, we developed a surmising model for breast density using prior mammograms through a multiple regression analysis, enabling a time series analysis of breast density. We acquired 1320 mediolateral oblique view mammograms to construct the surmising model using multiple regression analysis. The dependent variable was the breast density of the mammary gland region segmented by certified radiological technologists, and independent variables included the compressed breast thickness (CBT), exposure current times exposure second (mAs), tube voltage (kV), and patients' age. The coefficient of determination of the surmising model was 0.868. After applying the model, the correlation coefficients of the three groups based on the CBT (thin group, 18-36mm; standard group, 38-46mm; and thick group, 48-78mm) were 0.913, 0.945, and 0.867, respectively, suggesting that the thick breast group had a significantly low correlation coefficient (p = 0.00231). In conclusion, breast density can be accurately surmised using the CBT, mAs, tube voltage, and patients' age, even in the absence of a mammogram image.

Association between patient position-induced breast shape changes on prone and supine MRI and mammographic breast density or thickness.

The breast shape differs between the prone position in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the supine position on an operating table. We sought to determine the relationship between patient position-induced changes on prone and supine MRI in breast shape and mammographic breast density or thickness. We evaluated data from 68 women with 69 breast cancers in this retrospective observational study. The difference in the minimal distance from the nipple to the pectoralis major (DNPp-s) or the internal thoracic artery between the prone and supine MRI (DNIs-p) was defined as the breast shape changes. Mammographic breast density was assessed by conventional 4-level classification and automated and manual quantification using a dedicated mammography viewer. The compressed breast thickness was recorded during mammography (MMG). We determined the association between patient position-induced breast shape changes on MRI and mammographic breast density or compressed breast thickness on MMG. On the conventional 4-level qualification, one breast appeared fatty, 39 appeared with scattered density, 23 appeared heterogeneously dense, and 6 breasts appeared extremely dense. Both automated and manual quantification of mammographic breast density differed between the 4 levels (p < 0.01 for both) and correlated with the 4 levels (p < 0.001 for both, r = 0.654 and 0.693, respectively). The manual quantification inversely correlated with DNPp-s and DNIs-p (p < 0.01 and < 0.05, r = - 0.330 and - 0.273, respectively). The compressed breast thickness significantly correlated with DNPp-s and DNIs-p (p < 0.01 for both, r = 0.648 and 0.467, respectively). Compressed breast thickness during MMG can predict the degree of patient position-induced changes in breast shape on MRI. The manual quantification of the mammographic breast density, which may reflect the biomechanical properties of the breast tissues, also correlates to the breast shape changes.

Assessment of local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLS) for full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) mammography in Tamil Nadu, India.

The purpose of this study was to assess local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) mammography in India. Data from 1500 women were collected from five different mammography facilities in major cities in Tamil Nadu, India. The mean of mean glandular dose were used to arrive at an LDRL. The noted mean compressed breast thickness was 55.26±3.4. The recorded mean MGDs for the five centres were 3.1±0.1 and 3.8±0.2mGy for FFDM and DBT, respectively. The 75th percentile value for all five centers is 3.3 and 4.0mGy for FFDM and DBT, respectively. The LDRLs found in the current study were also compared with those from earlier studies conducted in other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Morocco, and Ghana. The present study is the first of its kind to determine the LDRL for the FFDM and DBT scanners operating in the Tamil Nadu region, India, and is proposed as a starting point that will allow professionals to evaluate and optimize their practice. Furthermore, similar studies in other regions of India are necessary in order to establish National DRLs.

Breast radiation dose with contrast-enhanced mammography-guided biopsy: a retrospective comparison with stereotactic and tomosynthesis guidance.

This retrospective study aimed to compare the average glandular dose (AGD) per acquisition in breast biopsies guided by contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), conventional stereotactic breast biopsy (SBB), and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The study also investigated the influence of compressed breast thickness (CBT) and density on AGD. Furthermore, the study aimed to estimate the AGD per procedure for each guidance modality. The study included 163 female patients (mean age 57 ± 10 years) who underwent mammography-guided biopsies using SBB (9%), DBT (65%), or CEM (26%) guidance. AGD and CBT data were extracted from DICOM headers, and breast density was visually assessed. Statistical analyses included two-sample t-tests and descriptive statistics. Mean AGD per acquisition varied slightly among CEM (1.48 ± 0.22 mGy), SBB (1.49 ± 0.40 mGy), and DBT (1.55 ± 0.47 mGy), with CEM presenting higher AGD at lower CBTs and less dose escalation at higher CBTs. For CBT > 55 mm, CEM showed reduced AGD compared to SBB and DBT (p < 0.001). Breast density had minimal impact on AGD, except for category A. The estimated AGD per procedure was approximately 11.84 mGy for CEM, 11.92 mGy for SBB, and 6.2 mGy for DBT. The study found mean AGD per acquisition to be similar for CEM and SBB, with DBT slightly higher. CEM demonstrated higher AGD at lower CBT but lower AGD at higher CBT, indicating reduced dose escalation with increasing thickness. While breast density had minimal overall impact, variations were noted in category A. DBT was more dose-efficient per procedure due to fewer acquisitions required. CEM guidance provides effective lesion visualization within safe radiation limits, improving the precision of percutaneous image-guided breast interventions and supporting its potential consideration in a wider range of breast diagnostic procedures. Limited data exist on the AGD using CEM guidance for breast biopsies. CEM and SBB exhibit similar AGD per acquisition; DBT demonstrated the lowest AGDper procedure. Radiation from CEM guidance fits within safe limits for percutaneous image-guided breast interventions.

Screening Mammography Diagnostic Reference Level System According to Compressed Breast Thickness: Dubai Health.

Screening mammography is considered to be the most effective means for the early detection of breast cancer. However, epidemiological studies suggest that longitudinal exposure to screening mammography may raise breast cancer radiation-induced risk, which begs the need for optimization and internal auditing. The present work aims to establish a comprehensive well-structured Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) system that can be confidently used to highlight healthcare centers in need of urgent action, as well as cases exceeding the dose notification level. Screening mammographies from a total of 2048 women who underwent screening mammography at seven different healthcare centers were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The typical DRL for each healthcare center was established and defined as per (A) bilateral image view (left craniocaudal (LCC), right craniocaudal (RCC), left mediolateral oblique (LMLO), and right mediolateral oblique (RMLO)) and (B) structured compressed breast thickness (CBT) criteria. Following this, the local DRL value was established per the bilateral image views for each CBT group. Screening mammography data from a total of 8877 images were used to build this comprehensive DRL system (LCC: 2163, RCC: 2206, LMLO: 2288, and RMLO: 2220). CBTs were classified into eight groups of <20 mm, 20-29 mm, 30-39 mm, 40-49 mm, 50-59 mm, 60-69 mm, 70-79 mm, 80-89 mm, and 90-110 mm. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, significant dose differences were observed between all seven healthcare centers offering screening mammography. The local DRL values defined per bilateral image views for the CBT group 60-69 mm were (1.24 LCC, 1.23 RCC, 1.34 LMLO, and 1.32 RMLO) mGy. The local DRL defined per bilateral image view for a specific CBT highlighted at least one healthcare center in need of optimization. Such comprehensive DRL system is efficient, easy to use, and very clinically effective.

Relationship between Volpara Density Grade and Compressed Breast Thickness in Japanese Patients with Breast Cancer.

High breast density found using mammographs (MGs) reduces positivity rates and is considered a risk factor for breast cancer. Research on the relationship between Volpara density grade (VDG) and compressed breast thickness (CBT) in the Japanese population is still lacking. Moreover, little attention has been paid to pseudo-dense breasts with CBT < 30 mm among high-density breasts. We investigated VDG, CBT, and apparent high breast density in patients with breast cancer. Women who underwent MG and breast cancer surgery at our institution were included. VDG and CBT were measured. VDG was divided into a non-dense group (NDG) and a dense group (DG). This study included 419 patients. VDG was negatively correlated with CBT. The DG included younger patients with lower body mass index (BMI) and thinner CBT. In the DG, patients with CBT < 30 mm had lower BMI and higher VDG; however, no significant difference was noted in the positivity rate of the two groups. Younger women tend to have higher breast density, resulting in thinner CBT, which may pose challenges in detecting breast cancer on MGs. However, there was no significant difference in the breast cancer detection rate between CBT < 30 mm and CBT ≥ 30 mm.

A Survey of Mean Glandular Doses and Suggestions on National Diagnostic Reference Levels for Digital Mammography in China.

The primary purpose of this study was to report the mean glandular doses and to determine the national diagnostic reference levels for digital mammography based on data between 2016 and 2018 in China. The data from 19,076 mammograms (4,769 examinations) by random sampling from 118 digital mammography systems were compiled. Exposure factors included age, compressed breast thickness, kVp, mAs, target/filter combination, entrance surface air kerma, and mean glandular doses, which were retrospectively surveyed and recorded from the monitor. The national diagnostic reference levels (75th percentiles) in mean glandular dose were calculated across median value obtained for all included data and stratified to specific compressed breast thickness ranges. The patients' ages ranged from 22 to 88 y, with a median age of 45. The applied voltage and output medians were 28 kVp and 75.1 mAs for all exposure, respectively. The median CBTs were 45 mm and 48 mm for craniocaudal views and mediolateral oblique views, and the corresponding median mean glandular doses were 1.32 mGy and 1.40 mGy, respectively. The national diagnostic reference level at compressed breast thickness of 40-50 mm was 1.67 mGy for CC views and 1.71 mGy for MLO views. The median mean glandular doses varied significantly and increased with compressed breast thickness, demonstrating the necessity of establishing DRL according to breast thickness and optimizing the clinic's digital mammography practice in China.

Reporting average glandular dose and its associations with age and exposure parameters

Reporting average glandular dose and its associations with age and exposure parameters

How Much Radiation Are Women in Saudi Arabia Receiving from Mammography? A Review

This review compiles and assesses data from recent studies on mammographic radiation doses in Saudi Arabia, aiming to evaluate mean glandular dose (MGD) exposure during mammography and its implications in breast cancer risk. The reviewed studies spanned from 2019 to 2023 and included a range of sample sizes and institutional settings, with patients’ ages from 27 to 85 years. Considerations such as the number of mammographic views and compressed breast thickness were examined. The studies reported average MGDs below the National Diagnostic Reference Level set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. However, limitations were noted regarding sample size selection and incomplete data on all mammographic projections. Despite these limitations, the findings highlight the need for continued assessment of patient doses to optimize mammography practices and address the absence of quality standardization acts in Saudi Arabia. These insights are critical for governing authorities to ensure that effective patient dose monitoring occurs regularly and that the establishment of minimum quality standards for breast cancer screening is intact.

A survey on mean glandular dose in mammography examination and the factors affecting it in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran.

mammography is the gold standard in the early detection of breast cancer. Due to the increase in the rate of women suffering from this malignancy all over the world, this imaging modality has been widely used. Considering the side effects caused by ionizing radiation to measure the carcinogenic risk of mammography X-rays, mean glandular dose (MGD) is the best parameter to evaluate the dose received by patients undergoing mammography. The aims of this study were to measure MGD in mammography in mammographic craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) projections and investigate the relationship of MGD with compressed breast thickness (CBT), body mass index, age of the patient, and device exposure conditions. this cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on women aged 30-70 referring to the mammography unit of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd city from May to August 2022. The TLD-GR 200 (thermoluminescence dosimeter) was placed on the breast of the patients for CC and MLO projections, and then the MGD was obtained by multiplying the entrance surface dose and the normalized glandular dose. Analysis of data (such as demographic information of patients, CBT, kVp, and mAs) was done by SPSS 23 software. The normality of the data was checked using Shapiro-Wilk tests. It was found that except for age, other variables did not have a normal distribution; therefore, equivalent parametric and nonparametric tests were used. In this regard, Spearman's correlation was used to assess the correlation between variables. P-value < .05 was considered as level of significance. The mean±standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 47.3±7.1years. The median±IQR (the interquartile range (IQR) is a measure of statistical dispersion, which is the spread of the data. It is defined as the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles of the data.) (mean±SD) value of MGD per woman was 1.2±0.4mGy (1.3±0.3mGy). The median±IQR MGD in the MLO and CC projections was 1.6±0.6mGy and 0.9±0.4mGy, respectively. Significant relationships (P-value ≤ .001) were observed between MGD with CBT (R=0.62) and age (R=-0.85). The results showed that the mammography unit at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd is functioning properly. The calculated median±IQR MGD per woman referring to this unit (1.2±0.4mGy) was clearly below the dose limit recommended by American College of Radiology and International Commission on Radiological Protection (3mGy). Moreover, among the factors affecting MGD, the highest correlation was seen between MGD and age (R=-0.85).

Development of a Subtraction Processing Technology for Assistance in the Comparative Interpretation of Mammograms.

A comparative interpretation of mammograms has become increasingly important, and it is crucial to develop subtraction processing and registration methods for mammograms. However, nonrigid image registration has seldom been applied to subjects constructed with soft tissue only, such as mammograms. We examined whether subtraction processing for the comparative interpretation of mammograms can be performed using nonrigid image registration. As a preliminary study, we evaluated the results of subtraction processing by applying nonrigid image registration to normal mammograms, assuming a comparative interpretation between the left and right breasts. Mediolateral-oblique-view mammograms were taken from noncancer patients and divided into 1000 cases for training, 100 cases for validation, and 500 cases for testing. Nonrigid image registration was applied to align the horizontally flipped left-breast mammogram with the right one. We compared the sum of absolute differences (SAD) of the difference of bilateral images (Difference Image) with and without the application of nonrigid image registration. Statistically, the average SAD was significantly lower with the application of nonrigid image registration than without it (without: 0.0692; with: 0.0549 (p < 0.001)). In four subgroups using the breast area, breast density, compressed breast thickness, and Difference Image without nonrigid image registration, the average SAD of the Difference Image was also significantly lower with nonrigid image registration than without it (p < 0.001). Nonrigid image registration was found to be sufficiently useful in aligning bilateral mammograms, and it is expected to be an important tool in the development of a support system for the comparative interpretation of mammograms.

Proposed DRLs for mammography in Switzerland

The aim of this study is to propose diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) values for mammography in Switzerland. For the data collection, a survey was conducted among a sufficient number of centres, including five University hospitals, several cantonal hospitals, and large private clinics, covering all linguistic regions of Switzerland to be representative of the clinical practice. The data gathered contained the mean glandular dose (MGD), the compressed breast thickness (CBT), the mammography model and the examination parameters for each acquisition. The data collected was sorted into the following categories: 2D or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) examination, craniocaudal (CC) or mediolateral oblique (MLO) projection, and eight categories of CBT ranging from 20 mm to 100 mm in 10 mm intervals. A total of 24 762 acquisitions were gathered in 31 centres on 36 mammography units from six manufacturers. The analysis showed that the data reflects the practice in Switzerland. The results revealed that the MGD is larger for DBT than for 2D acquisitions for the same CBT. From 20–30 mm to 90–100 mm of CBT, the 75th percentile of the MGD values obtained increased from 0.81 mGy to 2.55 mGy for 2D CC acquisitions, from 0.83 mGy to 2.96 mGy for 2D MLO acquisitions, from 1.22 mGy to 3.66 mGy for DBT CC acquisitions and from 1.33 mGy to 4.04 mGy for DBT MLO acquisitions. The results of the survey allow us to propose Swiss DRLs for mammography according to the examination type (2D/DBT), projection (CC/MLO) and CBT. The proposed values are very satisfactory in comparison with other studies.

Radiation exposure in routine mammography screening: a large observational cross-sectional study in Morocco

This observational cross-sectional study aims to assess the exposure levels during mammography examinations in Morocco and provide an international comparative analysis. Patient data from 1100 mammographic examinations conducted in five units, comprising both digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) systems from various brands and models in the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaër region, were collected. The mean glandular dose (MGD) and technical parameters, including exposure factors and breast thickness, were analyzed. The collected data were compared with findings from international studies to provide valuable context. The overall median MGD was 1.34 ± 0.36 mGy for craniocaudal (CC) and 1.48 ± 0.38 mGy for mediolateral oblique (MLO) incidences. It’s essential to note that these values were calculated based on the median compressed breast thickness. The MGD varied among different units and anode/filter combinations. The Rh/Rh anode/filter combination was most commonly used, resulting in the lowest radiation dose. The study findings also highlighted the relationship between MGD and breast thickness, with higher doses observed for thicker breasts. This study provides valuable insights into radiation exposure during mammography breast cancer screening in Morocco. The results underscore the importance of future dose optimization strategies to ensure patient safety without compromising diagnostic image quality. Implementing optimized technical parameters, conducting regular quality assurance programs, and promoting education and awareness are essential in achieving dose reduction and minimizing radiation risks. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and international organizations is crucial for sharing best practices and advancing radiation dose optimization in mammography.

Identifying factors that indicate the possibility of non-visible cases on mammograms using mammary gland content ratio estimated by artificial intelligence.

Mammography is the modality of choice for breast cancer screening. However, some cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed through ultrasonography alone with no or benign findings on mammography (hereby referred to as non-visibles). Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors that indicate the possibility of non-visibles based on the mammary gland content ratio estimated using artificial intelligence (AI) by patient age and compressed breast thickness (CBT). We used AI previously developed by us to estimate the mammary gland content ratio and quantitatively analyze 26,232 controls and 150 non-visibles. First, we evaluated divergence trends between controls and non-visibles based on the average estimated mammary gland content ratio to ensure the importance of analysis by age and CBT. Next, we evaluated the possibility that mammary gland content ratio ≥50% groups affect the divergence between controls and non-visibles to specifically identify factors that indicate the possibility of non-visibles. The images were classified into two groups for the estimated mammary gland content ratios with a threshold of 50%, and logistic regression analysis was performed between controls and non-visibles. The average estimated mammary gland content ratio was significantly higher in non-visibles than in controls when the overall sample, the patient age was ≥40 years and the CBT was ≥40 mm (p < 0.05). The differences in the average estimated mammary gland content ratios in the controls and non-visibles for the overall sample was 7.54%, the differences in patients aged 40-49, 50-59, and ≥60 years were 6.20%, 7.48%, and 4.78%, respectively, and the differences in those with a CBT of 40-49, 50-59, and ≥60 mm were 6.67%, 9.71%, and 16.13%, respectively. In evaluating mammary gland content ratio ≥50% groups, we also found positive correlations for non-visibles when controls were used as the baseline for the overall sample, in patients aged 40-59 years, and in those with a CBT ≥40 mm (p < 0.05). The corresponding odds ratios were ≥2.20, with a maximum value of 4.36. The study findings highlight an estimated mammary gland content ratio of ≥50% in patients aged 40-59 years or in those with ≥40 mm CBT could be indicative factors for non-visibles.

Glandular doses and diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for Saudi breast cancer screening programme (2012-2021).

The aim of this study was to report the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) corresponding to different compressed breast thickness (CBT) ranges. To achieve this, mammographic examinations with 187,788 exposures were analysed. The mean average glandular (AGD) dose was calculated per view, examination, and center. Moreover, the DRL values corresponding to different CBT ranges were reported. The result of the mean AGD per view was found to be 1.36 mGy for craniocaudal (CC) and 1.54 mGy for Mediolateral oblique (MLO), while the mean AGD per examination for all women was 1.45 mGy. The DRL values corresponding to CBTs between 20 to 79 mm ranges were below 2 mGy. These results were from a population of mean age = 49 ± 8 years and mean CBT = 58 ± 8 mm, and was imaged with mean exposures of 29 ± 1 kVp and 74 ± 31 mAs, and a mean compression force of 135±37 N. In conclusion, good mammography practice has been shown, as DRL values are within the limits suggested by the international organizations.

Radiation doses received in the UK breast screening programmes 2019-2023.

To report the latest UK mammography dose survey results and to compare radiation doses from digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in UK breast screening. Anonymized exposure factors were collected for 111 152 screening cases and 5113 assessment cases from 405 x-ray sets across the United Kingdom using an online submission system linked to a national database of mammography quality control data. Output and beam quality measurements from each set were combined with exposure data to estimate mean glandular doses (MGD). FFDM doses increased by ∼10% compared to the 2016-2019 national survey but compressed breast thicknesses (CBT) remained similar. DBT doses were 34%-40% higher than FFDM overall and 34% higher than FFDM for breasts 50-60mm thick. We found a possible overestimation of PMMA breast equivalent thicknesses at low CBTs, but the evidence was not conclusive. Recent changes to the mix of x-ray models in use in UK breast screening have resulted in higher FFDM breast doses. DBT doses in the NHSBSP are on average higher than FFDM by ∼34%-40%. This is the first national study to report DBT and FFDM MGDs in UK breast screening.

Radiation dose to breast during digital mammography in Tanzania.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mean glandular dose (MGD), to assess the potential for optimization, and to propose diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). MGD was estimated from air kerma measurements and patient information collected during mammography examinations. The 75th percentile values were determined as the third quartile of the median MGD values for all hospitals, and DRLs set as 75th percentile of MGD values. The estimated median values of MGD ranged from 1.5 to 3.9mGy for craniocaudal projection for median range of 15-59mm compressed breast thickness (CBT). For a CBT range of 15-63mm, the median MGD value was 1.5-5.1mGy for medio-lateral oblique projection. Comparison with other studies showed that the MGD values obtained in this study were relatively high. The magnitude and wide variation of the exposure parameters suggest existing potential for optimization. The training of radiology staff was identified as a top priority.

National diagnostic reference levels for digital diagnostic and screening mammography in Uganda.

Screening and diagnostic mammography are associated with some risk of radiation-induced breast cancer. This study was conducted to establish the National Diagnostic Reference Levels (NDRLs) for digital diagnostic and screening mammography in Uganda to achieve breast radiation dose optimization. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female participants recruited by consecutive sampling from three selected hospitals with digital mammography in Uganda. The study variables extracted from the mammography machines were exposure factors, compressed breast thickness (CBT), and Average Glandular Dose (AGD) of two standard mammogram views. The stratified National DRL was derived by calculating the 75th percentile of the AGD across all the samples at various CBT ranges for both screening and diagnostic mammography in craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views. We included 300 participants with mean ages of 50.28±9.32 and 47.45±13.45 years for the screening and diagnostic mammography, respectively. There were statistically significant positive correlations between AGD and exposure factors (mAs, kVp) (all p-values<0.0001). For screening mammography, mAs demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8369 in CC, 0.8133 in MLO), whereas kVp showed a positive correlation with relatively lower coefficients (r = 0.3700 in CC, 0.3080 in MLO). For diagnostic mammography, mAs exhibited an even stronger positive correlation (r = 0.8987 in CC, 0.8762 in MLO), and kVp maintained a positive correlation with somewhat lower coefficients (r = 0.4954 in CC, 0.3597 in MLO). In screening mammography, for CBT within the range of (7-39) mm, the NDRLs were (1.5mGy, 1.66mGy) in CC) and MLO views. For CBT in the range of (40-59) mm, the NDRLs were (1.78mGy, 1.87mGy), and for CBT in the range of (60-99) mm, the NDRLs were (2.18mGy, 2.22mGy). For diagnostic mammography, the NDRLs were established as (1.7mGy, 1.91mGy), (2.00mGy, 2.09mGy), and (2.63mGy, 2.81mGy) for CBT ranges of (7-39) mm, (40-59) mm, and (60-99) mm, respectively. The NDRLs for digital screening and diagnostic mammography in Uganda have been proposed for the first time. The NDRL values in mammography should be specific to CBT ranges and mammographic views for both diagnostic and screening mammography.

Assessment of average glandular dose in mammography practice of a teaching hospital in Ghana.

above the age of 40, women are advised to begin breast examinations and screenings for early detection of breast cancer. The average glandular dose (AGD) provides dosimetric information about the quantity of radiation received by the mammary glands during mammographic exposures. There is, therefore, the need to analyse the radiation dose received by patients presenting for mammography examinations. a retrospective cross-sectional design was carried out on the data of 663 participants, conveniently sampled between the months of July 2021 and June 2022. Paired T-test was used to compare imaging parameters for cranio-caudal (CC), medio-lateral (ML), automatic exposure control (AEC), manual exposure control (MEC), and left and right breast. Pearson´s correlation was used to test for relationship between imaging parameters and AGD. the mean AGD per exposure was 1.9 ± 0.7 mGy for CC projections and 2.3 ± 1.2 mGy for ML projections. The mean AGD per examination for the study was 4.1 ± 1.4 mGy. A positive correlation was found between AGD per examination and exposure factors (tube loading and tube voltage), compressed breast thickness, and compression force. Patient age had no statistically significant relationship with the AGD per examination. average glandular dose (AGD) was consistent with other findings in literature studies. It was also observed that MEC yielded lower AGD per exposure values than AEC. There was no significant difference in the mean AGD per exposure for left and right breasts.