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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 1/2012

01-01-2012 | Breast

High-resolution spiral CT of the breast at very low dose: concept and feasibility considerations

Authors: Willi A. Kalender, Marcel Beister, John M. Boone, Daniel Kolditz, Sabrina V. Vollmar, Michaela C. C. Weigel

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Objective

Mammography, today’s standard imaging approach, has deficits with respect to the superimposition of anatomical structures. Dedicated CT of the breast so far indicated that it can provide superior soft-tissue imaging, but that it still has significant limitations with respect to spatial resolution and dose. We have assessed novel dedicated breast CT technology.

Methods

Based on simulations and measurements we developed novel technology which uses direct-conversion CdTe material and photon-counting electronics with 100 μm detector element size for close to 100% dose efficiency. We assessed the potential for the imaging of microcalcifications of 100 to 200 μm diameter and soft-tissue lesions of 1 to 5 mm diameter by simulations at dose levels between 1 and 6 mGy.

Results

Microcalcifications of 150 μm and soft-tissue lesions of 2 mm diameter were found to be clearly detectable at an average glandular dose of 3 mGy. Separate displays are required for high-resolution microcalcification and for low-resolution soft-tissue analysis. Total CT data acquisition time will be below 10 s.

Conclusion

Dedicated breast CT may eventually provide comprehensive diagnostic assessment of microcalcifications and soft-tissue structures at dose levels equivalent to or below those of two-view screening mammography.
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Metadata
Title
High-resolution spiral CT of the breast at very low dose: concept and feasibility considerations
Authors
Willi A. Kalender
Marcel Beister
John M. Boone
Daniel Kolditz
Sabrina V. Vollmar
Michaela C. C. Weigel
Publication date
01-01-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2169-4

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