Digital spot mammography using an add-on upright unit: diagnostic application in daily practice

INTRODUCTION: To present the use of digital spot mammography (DSM) in a diagnostic practice. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Digital spot images of 779 women requiring a spot compression or a spot magnification view were collected. The digital images were acquired on a digital spot upright unit using a 61 mm x 61 mm field of view. Lesions reported included masses, calcifications, and areas of distortions. RESULTS: 1065 lesions required additional views with DSM. Lesions reported included masses (n = 113), masses and microcalcifications (n = 53), spiculated masses (n = 34), architectural distortions (n = 16), and microcalcifications (n = 849). DSMs were considered to be adequate in 97.7% of patients. Unsatisfactory exams resulted from difficulties encountered in targeting the area of interest at the beginning of our experience. CONCLUSION: DSM, most commonly used to perform interventional procedures, can also be used in a diagnostic practice taking advantage of post-processing of images not available with conventional spot compression and magnification.