Comparison of x-ray spectra and mean glandular dose estimations in computed radiography systems for mammography: Simulations versus measurements

To determine the dose given to patients in mammography, it is necessary to evaluate the mean glandular dose (MGD) in the computed radiography (CR) system with a solid-state detector, utilizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantoms and spacers to model breast thickness. In the present study, irradiations were performed in a mammograph with a solid-state detector, and simulations were carried out using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX) code to give the MGD and spectra for the same conditions. In the mammograph, the glandular dose values were calculated for three anode/filter combinations: molybdenum/molybdenum (Mo/Mo), molybdenum/rhodium (Mo/Rh), and rhodium/rhodium (Rh/Rh). Through acquisitions from kerma values, the spectra were plotted. The MGD results obtained from the mammograph for Mo/Mo, Mo/Rh, and Rh/Rh were below the reported acceptable levels, while the spectra were mostly in accordance with the literature.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the mean glandular dose (MGD) in mammography using a computed radiography (CR) system with a solid-state detector. Irradiations and simulations were conducted to determine the MGD and spectra for the same conditions. The results showed that the glandular dose was below the acceptable levels and the spectra were mostly in accordance with the literature.