Dosimetric evaluation of 2D mammography and tomosynthesis with synthesized images at the Fundación CTIC

Abstract

Objective: Given the concern about a higher dose when performing mammography with tomosynthesis and the few publications on comparative radiation doses between 2D mammography and tomosynthesis, we sought to demonstrate that mammography with tomosynthesis and synthesized images does not increase the dose compared to standard 2D digital mammography. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Data included patient information, acquisition parameters, entrance dose, and mean glandular dose per projection, differentiating between 2D acquisition and tomosynthesis. Results: A total of 689 mammographic projections were documented, of which 367 were tomosynthesis  projections. The doses showed notable similarities  between 2D mammography and tomosynthesis techniques. For CC projection, the average dose was 1.48 mGy in 2D acquisition and 1.45 in tomosynthesis (p=0.6) and in MLO, 1.63 mGy and 1.58 mGy respectively (p=0.09). Conclusions: Dosimetric values in tomosynthesis mammography were slightly lower than those in conventional mammography, highlighting the capacity to synthesize 2D images. The implementation of synthesized images is proposed as a strategy to optimize the radiation dose in mammographic studies, improving safety and efficiency in clinical practice.