Full-field digital mammography versus computed radiology mammography: comparison in image quality and radiation dose

Objective To investigate the differences in image quality and radiation dose between full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system and compute radiology mammography (CRM) system. Methods The ALVIM mammograpbic phantom was exposed by FFDM system with automatic exposure control (AEC) and then exposed by CRM system with the unique imaging plank on the same condition. The FFDM system applied the same kV value and the different mAs values (14, 16, 18, 22 and 24 mAs), and the emission skin dose (ESD) and the average gland dose (AGD) were recorded for the above-mentioned exposure factors. All images were read by five experienced radiologists under the same condition and judged based on 5-point scales. And then receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn and the probability (Pdet) values were calculated. The data were statistically processed with ANOVA. Results The Pdet values of calcifications and lesion lump were higher with FFDM system than with CRM system at the same dose (1.36 mGy). Especially, for microcalcifications and lesion lump, the largest difference of the Pdet, value was 0.215, and that of lesion lump was 0.245. In comparison with CRM system, the radiation dose of FFDM system could be reduced at the same Pdet, value. The ESD value was reduced by 26%, and the AGD value was reduced by 41%. When the mAs value exceed AEC value, the Pdet value almost had no change, though the radiation dose was increased. Conclusions The detection rates of microcalcifications and lesion lump with FEDM system are proven to be. Superior to CRM system at the same dose.The radiation dose of FFDM system was less than CRM system for the same image quality. Key words: Mammography;  Full-field digital mammography;  Computed radiology mammography; Image quality;  Radiation dose