Propagation-based phase-contrast imaging of the breast: image quality and the effect of X-ray energy and radiation dose

Abstract

Objectives: Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a new imaging tech-nique that exploits refractive and absorption properties of X-rays to enhance soft tissue contrast and improve image quality. This study compares image quality of PB-CT and absorption-based CT (AB-CT) for breast imaging while exploring X-ray energy and radiation dose. Methods: Thirty-nine mastectomy samples were scanned at energy levels of 28-34keV using a flat panel detector at radiation dose levels of 4mGy and 2mGy. Image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (res) and visibility (vis). Statistical analysis was performed to compa..