The investigation of different factors to optimize the simulation of 3D mass models in breast tomosynthesis

Abstract

The development of 3D mass models of different shapes, margins and degrees of malignancy may allow more profound and clinically relevant testing and optimization of the performance of the newly introduced 3D modalities such as breast tomosynthesis and breast-CT. Three dimensional mass models had been developed earlier and were validated for the realism of their appearance after simulation into 2D and tomosynthesis patient images. Based on the feedback of the readers and the results of the simulations of the earlier study we initiated the present study in which we investigated the effect of insertion position and background glandular tissue estimation on the appearance of these masses. A subset of these masses was re-simulated in another position and using a different background estimator. These simulated masses were subsequently evaluated by an experienced radiologist on a 5-point scale realism score. The results showed that the insertion position of simulated masses is a significant factor in the appearance of realism of these masses and careful choices should be made. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.