Chapter 8 - Mammography Flashcards
Most simple advantage of digital mammography
Ability to overcome the exposure latitude limitations of screen-film detectors AND produce better image quality at lower doses
(In digital mammo) describes the absorption of X-rays in the CsI; the production of secondary light photons directed to a photodiode, and the generation of the charge, which is stored on the storage capacitor in the detector element
Indirect conversion
Refers to the direct generation of charge by X-rays within the photoconductor and capture by the electrode without intermediate signals
Direct conversion
A process where electrons fall to a lower energy state with the emission of light
Stimulated luminescence
4 technologies used in digital mammo
A. Indirect X-ray conversion TFT flat panel array receptor
B. Direct X-Ray conversion TFT detector
C. Cassette-based dual side readout CR photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) imaging plate detector and reader system
D. Charge-coupled-device (CCD) detector array
Strongly recommended display monitor specification for digital mammo
Must have a minimum of 5 million pixels (5MP)& a calibrated,sustained maximal luminance of at least 450 cd/m2
(Per ACR guidelines for digital mammography), but preferably at 600 cd/m2
A method which acquires multiple low-dose images at Several angular positions as the X-ray tube moves in an arc about the breast to reduce superimposition
Breast Digital Tomosynthesis
Preferred dose index in the breast’s glandular tissue (site of carcinogenesis)
Average glandular dose
3 Major factors affecting breast dose
- Speed of the screen-film receptor
- Film OD
- Digital detector SNR level
The MQSA regulations limit the average glandular dose for a compressed breast thickness of 4.2 cm and a breast composition of 50% glandular and 50% adipose tissue to _____
3mGy per film or digital image (6mGy for two films or images)
Breast QC standard category specific to the digital acquisition system(system resolution, breast dose, image quality evaluation, SNR/CNR,flat-field calibration and compression)
Category A QC
Breast QC standard category specific to the performance of a diagnosis device used for mammographic interpretation including the review workstation and laser film printer
Category B QC
Breast QC standard category which evaluate performance of components other than the digital image receptor or diagnostic devices for interpretation(collimation assessment, artifact evaluation, kV accuracy, HVL assessment,AEC performance and reproducibility, radiation output rate, compression thickness indicator)
Category C QC
To pass the MQSA image quality standards for screen film mammo (mammo accreditation phantom)
At least FOUR fibers , THREE calcification groups and THREE masses must be clearly visible (with no obvious artifacts) at an average glandular dose of less than 3 mGy
Two breast imaging views used in screening mammography
Mediolateral oblique view and craniocaudal view
Attempts to identify breast cancer in the asymptomatic population
Screening mammography
Procedures performed to assess palpable breast lesions or evaluate suspicious findings identified by screening mammography
Diagnostic mammography
Breast modality that is used to differentiate cysts(typically benign) from solid masses (often cancerous) and is also used when possible for biopsy needle guidance
Breast ultrasound
Breast modality with excellent tissue contrast sensitivity and with contrast enhancement can differentiate benign from malignant tumors; used for diagnosis, staging, biopsy guidance, and in some cases, screening.
Breast MRI
Breast modality that utilizes Tc-99m sestamibi in the evaluation of suspected breast cancer in patients for whom mammography is nondiagnostic, equivocal, or difficult to interpret (e.g. Presence of scar tissue, mammographically dense breast tissue, implants or severe dysplastic disease)
Mammoscintigraphy
Most common anode target material used in mammo
Molybdenum
Major reason for choosing Mo and Rh targets in mammo
Characteristic X-ray production
with digital detectors, W is becoming the target of choice
Actual anode angle plus physical tube tilt
Effective anode angle (at least 22 degrees in mammo)
X-ray intensity is greater at the cathode side of the projected field than the intensity on the anode side
Heel effect
- chest wall side of the breast (over the cathode)
- anterior side of the breast (over the anode)
Improves the energy distribution of the mammography output spectrum
Added xray tube filtration