[Value and significance of digital full-field mammography within the scope of mammography screening].
To evaluate the digital technique for screening mammography various experimental studies and clinical examinations were performed by using direct full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The findings concerning the detectability and characterization of microcalcifications and soft tissue masses as well as the radiation exposure were compared to the state-of-the-art conventional screen-film mammography (SFM). The results of these studies revealed a high performance of the digital images, which are at least equivalent to the conventional images, whereas digital spot views were significantly superior to conventional ones particularly in the detection of microcalcifications. This was especially true, when the potential of post-processing was used. In addition, the sensitivity of FFDM should be increased, if computer-aided-diagnosis (CAD) is available. Furthermore, the patient radiation dose can be significantly reduced. Additional advantages are quick and easy handling, efficient data transfer and digital archiving. Thus, FFDM will become an important tool in screening mammography.
Grabbe
E
E
Abteilung Röntgendiagnostik I, Klinikum der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen.
Fischer
U
U
Funke
M
M
Hermann
K P
KP
Obenauer
S
S
Baum
F
F
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity