Data analysis methods for a small field-of-view combined scintimammography/digital X-ray system in breast lesion management

Recently, a multidisciplinary research collaboration began a clinical study employing a dual modality, small field-of-view breast imaging system. The system, comprised of a mini gamma camera and digital X-ray detector, was designed to examine the possible clinical advantages of dual modality breast imaging in the management of patients with suspicious findings (BIRADS 3-5) from a screening mammogram. In addition, dynamic time-resolution studies of radiotracer uptake and washout were evaluated for their value in differentiation of lesion type. This preliminary report focuses on the development and implementation of these techniques and presents patient data as evidence of their effectiveness. The results of this study indicate that applying these techniques may significantly improve the diagnostic value of scintimammography by increasing specificity to 97.7% by differentiation of true positive and false positive lesions.