TU‐C‐210A‐02: Recent Advances in Breast Tomosynthesis

This presentation in the symposium is focused on the recent advances in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). DBT is a three‐dimensional (3D) x‐ray breast imaging technique. Several projection images of the breast are obtained from different angles, and image reconstruction is used to generate cross‐sectional slices (with 1 mm thickness) that are parallel to the detector. Several DBT prototype systems have been developed by different manufacturers through modification of screening full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) systems. The x‐ray tube gantry typically rotates around the compressed breast with a limited angular range (15 to 60 degrees) and acquires a limited number of images (11 to 49). In this presentation, an overview of the following aspects of DBT will be provided: 1. Different approaches to system implementation of DBT, and their advantages and limitations; 2. Comparison of different image reconstruction methods, including filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction; 3. Special considerations for DBT compared to conventional projection mammography: scattered radiation, x‐ray spectrum and detector performance; 4. Methods for the evaluation and optimization of DBT image quality; 5. Clinical results of breast cancer detection using DBT and its comparison with projection mammography; 6. Combination of DBT with other 3D imaging methods for multi‐modality breast imaging applications.