Progress in Medical Physics (한국의학물리학회지:의학물리)

Korean Society of Medical Physics (한국의학물리학회)
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Effect of the Number of Projected Images on the Noise Characteristics in Tomosynthesis Imaging

  • Fukui, Ryohei (Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University) ;
  • Matsuura, Ryutaro (Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University) ;
  • Kida, Katsuhiro (Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University) ;
  • Goto, Sachiko (Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University)
  • Received : 2021.03.19
  • Accepted : 2021.05.20
  • Published : 2021.06.30
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Abstract

Purpose: In this study, we investigated the relationship between the noise characteristics and the number of projected images in tomosynthesis using a digital phantom. Methods: The digital phantom consisted of a columnar phantom in the center of the image and a spherical phantom with a diameter of 80 pixels. A virtual scan was performed, and 128 projected images (Tomo_w/o) of the phantoms were obtained. The image noise according to the Poisson distribution was added to the projected images (Tomo_×1). Furthermore, another projected image with additional noise was prepared (Tomo_×1/2). For each dataset, we created datasets with 64 (half) and 32 (quarter) projections by removing the even-numbered images twice from the 128 (fully) projected images. Tomosynthesis images were reconstructed by filtered back projection (FBP). The modulation transfer function (MTF) was estimated using the sphere method, and the noise power spectrum (NPS) was estimated using the two-dimensional Fourier transform method. Results: The MTFs did not change between datasets, and the NPSs improved as the number of projected images increased. The noise characteristics of the Tomo_×1_half images were the same as those of the Tomo_×1/2_full. Conclusions: To achieve a reduction in the patient dose in tomosynthesis acquisition, we recommend reducing the number of projected images rather than reducing the dose per projection.

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References

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