New conversion factors between human and automatic readouts of the CDMAM phantom for CR systems

Johann Hummel; Peter Homolka; Angelika Osanna-Elliot; Marcus Kaar; Friedrich Semtrus; Michael Figl

doi:10.1117/12.2216694

24 March 2016 New conversion factors between human and automatic readouts of the CDMAM phantom for CR systems

Johann Hummel, Peter Homolka, Angelika Osanna-Elliot, Marcus Kaar, Friedrich Semtrus, Michael Figl

Proceedings Volume 9787, Medical Imaging 2016: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment; 97871H (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2216694
Event: SPIE Medical Imaging, 2016, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Mammography screenings demand for profound image quality (IQ) assessment to guarantee their screening success. The European protocol for the quality control of the physical and technical aspects of mammography screening (EPQCM) suggests a contrast detail phantom such as the CDMAM phantom to evaluate IQ. For automatic evaluation a software is provided by the EUREF. As human and automatic readouts differ systematically conversion factors were published by the official reference organisation (EUREF). As we experienced a significant difference for these factors for Computed Radiography (CR) systems we developed an objectifying analysis software which presents the cells including the gold disks randomly in thickness and rotation. This allows to overcome the problem of an inevitable learning effect where observers know the position of the disks in advance. Applying this software, 45 computed radiography (CR) systems were evaluated and the conversion factors between human and automatic readout determined. The resulting conversion factors were compared with the ones resulting from the two methods published by EUREF. We found our conversion factors to be substantially lower than those suggested by EUREF, in particular 1.21 compared to 1.42 (EUREF EU method) and 1.62 (EUREF UK method) for 0.1 mm, and 1.40 compared to 1.73 (EUREF EU) and 1.83 (EUREF UK) for 0.25 mm disc diameter, respectively. This can result in a dose increase of up to 90% using either of these factors to adjust patient dose in order to fulfill image quality requirements. This suggests the need of an agreement on their proper application and limits the validity of the assessment methods. Therefore, we want to stress the need for clear criteria for CR systems based on appropriate studies.

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Johann Hummel, Peter Homolka, Angelika Osanna-Elliot, Marcus Kaar, Friedrich Semtrus, and Michael Figl "New conversion factors between human and automatic readouts of the CDMAM phantom for CR systems", Proc. SPIE 9787, Medical Imaging 2016: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment, 97871H (24 March 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2216694

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KEYWORDS

Image quality

Mammography

Computing systems

Radiography

Breast cancer

Medical imaging

Point spread functions

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