An experimental study of practical computerized scatter correction methods for prototype digital breast tomosynthesis

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a technique developed to overcome the limitations of conventional digital mammography by reconstructing slices through the breast from projections acquired at different angles. In developing and optimizing DBT, the x-ray scatter reduction technique remains a significant challenge due to projection geometry and radiation dose limitations. The most common approach for scatter reduction technique is a beam-stop-array (BSA) algorithm while this method has a concern of additional exposure to acquire the scatter distribution. The compressed breast is roughly symmetry and the scatter profiles from projection acquired at axially opposite angle are similar to mirror image from each other. The purpose of this study was to apply the BSA algorithm acquiring only two scans with a beam stop array, which estimates scatter distribution with minimum additional exposure. The results of scatter correction with angular interpolation were comparable to those of scatter correction with all scatter distributions at each angle and exposure increase was less than 13%. This study demonstrated the influence of scatter correction by BSA algorithm with minimum exposure which indicates the practical application in clinical situations.