title: Self-masking subtraction tomosynthesis.
abstract: The authors tested the image quality and dose savings of self-masking subtraction tomosynthesis (SST), which combines digital tomosynthesis with subtraction of a blurred self-mask. High-quality images of the inner ear of a head phantom were obtained at moderate dose savings. Although they were taken with linear motion, they did not exhibit the streaking due to off-fulcrum objects that is characteristic of conventional linear tomography. SST could reduce patient dose by a factor of at least 12 in examinations of the inner ear, and the mechanical aspects can be implemented with moderate modifications of existing instrumentation.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*