Dose and image-quality evaluation in synchrotron radiation mammography

Monochromatic X-ray beam produced by synchrotron radiation may be considered an ideal probe in some fields of diagnostic radiology. In this paper the potential of monochromatic synchrotron radiation X-ray beam in mammography is analyzed. The image quality of four different phantom radiographs, obtained using two different energies equal to 17 and 18 keV, respectively, and a mammographic film/screen system, is assessed. The doses have been determined for both energies by using thermoluminescent dosimeters and a 5-cm thick phantom having a composition of 50% water and 50% fat. The results have been compared with those obtained in the same manner using a mammographic unit equipped with a molybdenum anode, molybdenum filter tube and antiscanner grid. The radiographs obtained with synchrotron radiation show higher contrast and less blur than those obtained with a conventional mammographic system. The average breast doses, 1.55 and 0.80 mGy at 17 and 18 keV, respectively, are comparable with the dose (1.51 mGy) of the conventional technique.Correspondence to: M. Gambaccini