Evaluation of a new image reconstruction method for digital breast tomosynthesis: effects on the visibility of breast lesions and breast density

Objective:To compare image quality and breast density of two reconstruction methods, the widely-used filtered-back projection (FBP) reconstruction and the iterative heuristic Bayesian inference reconstruction (Bayesian inference reconstruction plus the method of total variation applied, HBI).Methods...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Krammer, Julia (Author) , Stsepankou, Dzmitry (Author) , Hesser, Jürgen (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: September 05, 2019
In: British journal of radiology
Year: 2019, Volume: 92, Issue: 1103
ISSN:1748-880X
DOI:10.1259/bjr.20190345
Online Access:Verlag, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr.20190345
Verlag, Volltext: https://www.birpublications.org/doi/10.1259/bjr.20190345
Get full text
Author Notes:Julia Krammer, Sergei Zolotarev, Inge Hillman, Konstantinos Karalis, Dzmitry Stsepankou, Valeriy Vengrinovich, Jürgen Hesser, Tony M. Svahn
Description
Summary:Objective:To compare image quality and breast density of two reconstruction methods, the widely-used filtered-back projection (FBP) reconstruction and the iterative heuristic Bayesian inference reconstruction (Bayesian inference reconstruction plus the method of total variation applied, HBI).Methods:Thirty-two clinical DBT data sets with malignant and benign findings, n = 27 and 17, respectively, were reconstructed using FBP and HBI. Three experienced radiologists evaluated the images independently using a 5-point visual grading scale and classified breast density according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging-Reporting And Data System Atlas, fifth edition. Image quality metrics included lesion conspicuity, clarity of lesion borders and spicules, noise level, artifacts surrounding the lesion, visibility of parenchyma and breast density.Results:For masses, the image quality of HBI reconstructions was superior to that of FBP in terms of conspicuity,clarity of lesion borders and spicules (p < 0.01). HBI and FBP were not significantly different in calcification conspicuity. Overall, HBI reduced noise and supressed artifacts surrounding the lesions better (p < 0.01). The visibility of fibroglandular parenchyma increased using the HBI method (p < 0.01). On average, five cases per radiologist were downgraded from BI-RADS breast density category C/D to A/B.Conclusion:HBI significantly improves lesion visibility compared to FBP. HBI-visibility of breast parenchyma increased, leading to a lower breast density rating. Applying the HBIR algorithm should improve the diagnostic performance of DBT and decrease the need for additional imaging in patients with dense breasts.Advances in knowledge:Iterative heuristic Bayesian inference (HBI) image reconstruction substantially improves the image quality of breast tomosynthesis leading to a better visibility of breast carcinomas and reduction of the perceived breast density compared to the widely-used filtered-back projection (FPB) reconstruction. Applying HBI should improve the accuracy of breast tomosynthesis and reduce the number of unnecessary breast biopsies. It may also reduce the radiation dose for the patients, which is especially important in the screening context.
Item Description:Gesehen am 04.12.2019
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1748-880X
DOI:10.1259/bjr.20190345