A method for modelling of contrast enhanced mammography imaging: A simulation study

Abstract
Introduction: Early detection of breast cancer is vital for many women. Mammography faces certain difficulties with dense breasts therefore a technique called contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (CEDEM) is used in such cases for small artefacts detection.
Aim: The aim of this study is to establish a framework of computational tools to design, simulate and investigate the CEDEM process.
Materials and methods: Two objects were created for this purpose, a parallelepiped with dimensions 75 mm x 60 mm x 50 mm with 10 pits on the top of it and a semi cylindrical shape for the second object 45 mm of height with 6 cylindrical cavities which differ in their height. Iohexol was used as a contrast media. The Beer’s law was used for the simulation of the images, then noise was added, while series of coefficients were used to produce the subtraction result images.
Results: Good contrast of the subtracted images was achieved for low energy at 50 kVp and there was a negligible difference between theoretical and simulated weighted coefficients that provided best contrast.
Conclusion: The developed CEDEM framework will be used in optimising acquisition parameters for a range of specific cancerous cases.