Computerized evaluation of mammographic image quality using phantom images

A simple, quick and computerized method for quantitatively evaluating the i mage quality of mammography phantom images has been developed. Images of th e American College of Radiology (ACR) mammographic accreditation phantoms w ere acquired under different Xray techniques, scored and ranked subjectivel y by five expert readers, and digitized for quantitative analysis. The cont rast and signal-to-noise (contrast-to-noise) ratios of the main nodule and microcalcification group were obtained accurately and reproducibly using an image processing protocol. The contrast values were successful at discrimi nating differences in image quality due to variations in scatter conditions las a result of different kVp's, and the presence or absence of an acrylic scatterer and/or a moving Bucky grid). They were more precise, reproducibl e and sensitive than the ACR score. In particular, the contrast of the main nodule was highly correlated (r(s) = 0.988: p < 0.001) with the ranking of image quality by our panel of expert readers. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.