Evaluation of a novel method of noise reduction using computer-simulated mammograms.
A novel method of noise reduction has been tested for mammography using computer-simulated images for which the truth is known exactly. This method is based on comparing two images. The images are compared at different scales, using a cross-correlation function as a measure of similarity to define the image modifications in the wavelet domain. The computer-simulated images were calculated for noise-free primary radiation using a quasi-realistic voxel phantom. Two images corresponding to slightly different geometry were produced. Gaussian noise was added with certain properties to simulate quantum noise. The added noise could be reduced by >70% using the proposed method without any noticeable corruption of the structures. It is possible to save 50% dose in mammography by producing two images (each 25% of the dose for a standard mammogram). Additionally, a reduction of the anatomical noise and, therefore, better detection rates of breast cancer in mammography are possible.
Tischenko
Oleg
O
Department for Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
Hoeschen
Christoph
C
Dance
David R
DR
Hunt
Roger A
RA
Maidment
Andrew D A
AD
Bakic
Predrag R
PR
D016477:Artifacts; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016011:Normal Distribution; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014965:X-Rays