Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Breast CT

Abstract

The new techniques of three-dimensional visualization of the breast that have been developed in recent years have the potential to markedly improve diagnostic breast imaging. Many experts even expect the new 3D techniques such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) or breast CT to completely replace “conventional” digital mammography in the intermediate term as they have definitive advantages over 2D mammography. Various approaches are theoretically conceivable and have to be evaluated in the clinical setting, including the use of different reconstruction algorithms, the use of different DBT angles, slit-scan DBT vs. flat-panel DBT vs. breast CT, different dose settings, and DBT in one plane vs. two planes. Finally, DBT might also have advantages in combination with other tools for improving the diagnostic accuracy of breast imaging such as computer-aided diagnosis and contrast mammography.