Experimental study of X-ray mammography in a fluid bath - Reduced radiation dose and improved detail resolution

OBJECTIVE. To determine the effects on x-ray mammography of embedding the b reast in a fluid bath. METHODS. A plexiglass phantom in the shape of a compressed breast was x-ray ed in air and water with a mammography unit, and the radiation dose was mea sured by 20 thermoluminescence dosimeters placed in 20 representative posit ions on the surface of the phantom, Udders from slaughtered sheep as an ani mal model and phantoms were examined by mammography in identical positions surrounded by air and different fluids, The images were evaluated fur detai l resolution subjectively (animal model) and objectively (phantom containin g quantifiable structures) by 6 and 15 blinded readers, respectively. The r eaders' results were analyzed and compared for visualization of the objects in air versus fluid. RESULTS. Mammographic examination in the fluid bath reduced the radiation d ose and improved detail resolution in the rounded margin of the breast. Als o, viewing conditions in the central region were improved as a result of th e uniform optical density across the entire film area. CONCLUSIONS. Performing x-ray mammography in a fluid bath has advantages th at make the technical realization of this method desirable.