A comparative study of digital mammography systems : performance and dosimetry

Abstract

Background: Screening programmes have been introduced nationally, where asymptomatic patients are invited for breast cancer screening. The three mammography units used in the public health sector are GE Senographe Essential (1) at the Major National Hospital, Hologic Selenia Dimensions two-dimension/threedimension (2D/3D) (2) and Fuji Amulet Innovality (3) at the National Screening Centre. Therefore, the proper functioning of the digital mammography systems must be ensured. Objectives: To investigate the three mammography systems used for screening and diagnosis in the public health sector, comparing and analysing their performance and dosimetry. Research Methodology: Following a direct measurement technique, the European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services (EUREF) guidelines were adhered to. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAM) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) slabs were used to simulate different thicknesses for each system. Various imaging metrics were examined, such as the average glandular dose, signal-to-noise ratio, milliampere-seconds (mAs), mean pixel value and standard deviation. The images were extracted, and five regions of interest were drawn. A comparison and contrast were conducted for each generated table and graph. Results: The mAs increased with increasing PMMA thickness along with the mean dose values. In contrast, the signal-to-noise ratio decreased. Using varied PMMA thicknesses, allowed the automatic exposure controls to vary the appropriate target/filter combinations, thereby achieving results specific to the chosen thickness. Conclusions and Recommendations: As a result, it was concluded that (2) provided the best overall performance. Although the remaining units provided appropriate results, the compression plate of (3) was out of tolerance, while (1) is an older unit. Although EUREF guidelines are reliable, systems have become more technologically advanced in contrast to those used previously, thus becoming outdated.