Some of the parameters determining image quality in mammography are analyzed: the effects of primary photon spectra, focal spot size and screen-film systems on spatial resolution are discussed as are scattered radiation, development temperature and absorbed dose. The parameters limiting spatial resolution and contrast are evaluated for the standard and magnification techniques. Methods of reducing scattered radiation to improve contrast are evaluated. Scatter to primary ratios for different scatter reducing methods are compared, using the physical quantity energy imparted. For the standard technique the spatial resolution has been found to be limited by the fluorescent screen. With magnification technique the focal spot is the weakest link for the spatial resolution. The contrast is mainly set by the amount of scatter using the standard technique considering the use of a low tube potential (∼25 kVp). Using the magnification technique the amount of scatter is so small, that the tube potential is the limiti...

Image quality in mammography with special reference to anti-scatter grids and the magnification technique.

The aim of our study was to evaluate a mammography unit capable of magnification of up to fourfold at an equivalent or lower dose than with current systems. A prototype mammography tube with an electron-beam-focusing technology resulting in a focal spot size of 40–120 μm was combined with a highly intensifying screen-film system. To evaluate contrast-detail resolution, phantom radiographs were performed with the prototype magnification mammography system using a magnification factor of 1.7 for survey views and a magnification factor of 4.0 for spot views. They were compared with unmagnified survey views and magnification spot views (magnification factor 1.9) of a state-of-the-art mammography system. The radiation exposure was measured and mean glandular doses were calculated. The contrast-detail resolution with both prototype (m = 1.7) and conventional (m = 1.1) survey views was equivalent while the entrance dose and the mean glandular dose were approximately 50 % lower with the prototype. For spot views, the contrast-detail resolution was substantially higher for the prototype than for conventional magnification while the dose was equivalent. Dose reduction and improved detail resolution are possible with this new technology.

Magnification survey and spot view mammography with a new microfocus X-ray unit: detail resolution and radiation exposure

This article reviews milestones in the technological development of mammography since 1970. Mammography is particularly underutilized as a screening procedure for breast cancer and the reasons for its continued inappropriate and under use are explored. Although there are some known barriers to increased utilization among the female adult population, the majority of barriers reside within the domain of referring physicians. Remedies to address the low referral rates for screening mammography are outlined for federal agencies, radiology groups, mammography equipment companies, medical schools, and philanthropic groups. Until the developers of technological procedures such as mammography appreciate that the application of a technology and its appropriate utilization by professionals and the public are important to consider when the technology is developed, utilization rates may not do justice to the technology's potential.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0266462300007601

The technology of mammography. Misunderstood and underutilized.

Magnification mammography is an adjunct to conventional mammographic technique. It produces fine-detail breast images containing additional anatomic information that may prove useful in refining mammographic diagnosis, especially in cases where conventional imaging demonstrates uncertain or equivocal findings.

The role of magnification technique in modern mammography.

The application of nonionizing radiations and magnetism in clinical medical diagnosis has been rapidly increasing. The incorporation of these techniques into the armamentarium of the diagnostic roentgenologist warrants a change in nonmenclature to diagnostic imageologists. This review of the clinical applications of diaphanography covers the period of simple light source examination of the 1930s to the present sophisticated imaging with infrared film or videcon T.V. computerized format. Light physics of the infrared spectrum is well known, however experimental data of the mechanism of transillumination or normal and abnormal breasts are being investigated. A short discussion of breast anatomy and pathology including benign and malignant is basic to the clinical evaluation technique. A realistic appraisal of the application, the limitations of the technique and the current ongoing investigative studies in the European and American literatures are reviewed. Other noninvasive breast diagnostic techniques of thermography, ultrasound, and NMR are included as well as mammography in the diagnosis of breast disease and cancer.

Clinical diaphanography--its present perspective.

The authors describe a new reduce-dose magnification mammography system which uses a microfocal-spot/tungsten-target x-ray tube in conjunction with a high-speed, rare-earth film/screen system. Physical measurements of imaging parametes, phantom tests, and limited clinical trials are reported. Although this system is not yet ready for general use, preliminary results show that diagnostic magnification images of breast masses and microcalcifications are feasible with low radiation doses.

R H Gold

Papers

Reduced-dose magnification mammography.