Evaluation of transmission curves for X-ray beams in contrast-enhanced digital mammography

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29384/rbfm.2021.v15.19849001628

Keywords:

contrast-enhanced digital mammography, Monte Carlo, radiation protection, shielding

Abstract

Breast imaging has been increasingly more important in the fight against breast cancer. A new imaging technique, called dual energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography has been gaining attention for evaluation of suspicious lesions. It consists of using a contrast agent and the breast exposure to low- and high- energy beams. The aim of this work is to determine the transmission curves of the x-ray beams employed in contrast-enhanced mammography, through different materials used as shielding, and their fitting parameters α, β e γ. The methodology was based on Monte Carlo method, employing the code PENELOPE. Results show large differences between curves for low- and high- energy beams. Values of α decrease with tube potential, while β e γ do not present a general behavior. Therefore, the results obtained reinforce the importance of considering the proper transmission data for each imaging technique.

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Published

2021-09-29

How to Cite

Barbosa Marques, J., & Merigue da Cunha, D. (2021). Evaluation of transmission curves for X-ray beams in contrast-enhanced digital mammography. Brazilian Journal of Medical Physics, 15, 628. https://doi.org/10.29384/rbfm.2021.v15.19849001628

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Artigo Original