数字乳房x线照相术的幻影间变异性:对质量控制的影响。

IF 3.7 Q1 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING
Gisella Gennaro, Gilberto Contento, Andrea Ballaminut, Francesca Caumo
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引用次数: 0

摘要

背景:通过提供评估图像质量(IQ)指标的标准化条件,幻影在乳房x线摄影质量控制(QC)中起着关键作用。然而,幻影间的可变性可能会影响这些指标的可靠性,特别是在系统间比较时。本研究的目的是使用一组理论上相同的幻影来量化智商指标的幻影内部和幻影之间的可变性。方法:在标准高剂量条件下,使用乳房x线摄影装置对24例TORMAS幻影进行10次成像。使用自动化软件对图像进行分析,提取64个IQ指标,包括噪比(CNR)、调制传递函数(MTF)相关指标和其他指标。识别并排除异常值。通过计算模内和模间方差和变异系数(COVs)来评估变异性。还确定了椎体内和椎体间变异性对总变异性的相对贡献。结果:排除了2例有缺陷的幻影。对22个幽灵的64个智商指标的分析显示,与幽灵内部的变异性相比,幽灵之间的变异性更高。34个CNR指标和5个mtf相关指标的平均cov分别为6.9%和15.1%,5个mtf相关指标的平均cov分别为4.8%和5.4%,10个对比度指标的平均cov分别为0.14%和0.75%,15个噪声指标的平均cov分别为4.9%和14.8%。幻影间变异性占总变异性的84.2%,突出了其优势性。结论:幻相间变异显著影响智商指标,强调使用相同的幻相进行系统间比较以避免混淆结果的重要性。相反,幻影非常适合评估系统随时间的可重复性,在始终使用单个幻影的同时关注系统间的可变性。相关声明:本研究强调了幻影间可变性对图像质量评估的重要影响,强调了使用相同的幻影对基准成像系统的重要性。这些发现对于优化质量控制方案和确保可靠、可重复的评估至关重要。关键点:在数字乳房x线摄影的所有图像质量指标中,幻影间变异性超过了幻影内变异性。与更明显的特征相比,细微的细节显示出更高的总变异性。调制传递函数指标表现出相当的模内和模间可变性,突出了定位灵敏度。幻影间变异性占总变异性的84%,影响成像系统的比较。使用相同的模体可确保成像系统性能评估的可靠性。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
Inter-phantom variability in digital mammography: implications for quality control.

Background: Phantoms play a critical role in mammography quality control (QC) by providing standardized conditions for evaluating image quality (IQ) metrics. However, inter-phantom variability may affect the reliability of these metrics, especially for inter-system comparisons. The aim of this study was to quantify the intra- and inter-phantom variability of IQ metrics using a set of theoretically identical phantoms.

Methods: Twenty-four TORMAS phantoms were imaged ten times each using a mammography unit under standardized high-dose conditions. Images were analyzed using automated software to extract 64 IQ metrics, including contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as well as modulation transfer function (MTF)-related and other metrics. Outliers were identified and excluded. Variability was assessed by calculating intra- and inter-phantom variances and coefficients of variation (COVs). The relative contributions of intra- and inter-phantom variability to total variability were also determined.

Results: Two defective phantoms were excluded. Analysis of 64 IQ metrics across 22 phantoms showed higher inter-phantom variability compared to intra-phantom variability. Mean intra- and inter-phantom COVs were 6.9% and 15.1% for the 34 CNR metrics, 4.8% and 5.4% for the 5 MTF-related metrics, 0.14% and 0.75% for the 10 contrast metrics, 4.9% and 14.8% for the 15 noise metrics, respectively. Inter-phantom variability contributed 84.2% to total variability, highlighting its dominance.

Conclusion: Inter-phantom variability significantly affects IQ metrics, emphasizing the importance of using the same phantom for inter-system comparisons to avoid confounding results. Conversely, phantoms are well-suited for assessing system reproducibility over time, focus on inter-system variability while consistently using a single phantom.

Relevance statement: This study highlights the significant impact of inter-phantom variability on image quality assessment, emphasizing the importance of using the same phantom for benchmarking imaging systems. These findings are crucial for optimizing quality control protocols and ensuring reliable, reproducible evaluations.

Key points: Inter-phantom variability exceeded intra-phantom variability across all image quality metrics of digital mammography. Subtle details showed higher total variability compared to more distinct features. Modulation transfer function metrics exhibited comparable intra- and inter-phantom variability, highlighting positioning sensitivity. Inter-phantom variability contributes 84% to total variability, impacting imaging system comparisons. Using the same phantom ensures reliability in imaging system performance evaluations.

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来源期刊
European Radiology Experimental
European Radiology Experimental Medicine-Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
CiteScore
6.70
自引率
2.60%
发文量
56
审稿时长
18 weeks
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