Breast Density Assessment Using Breast Tomosynthesis Images

In this work we evaluate an approach for breast density assessment of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) data using the central projection image. A total of 348 random cases (both FFDM CC and MLO views and DBT MLO views) were collected using a Siemens Mammomat Inspiration tomosynthesis unit at Unilabs, Malmo. The cases underwent both BI-RADS 5th Edition labeling by radiologists and automated volumetric breast density analysis (VBDA) by an algorithm. Preliminary results showed an observed agreement of 70 % (weighted Kappa, kappa = 0.73) between radiologists and VBDA using FFDM images and 63 % (kappa = 0.62) for radiologists and VBDA using DBT images. Comparison between densities for FFDM and DBT resulted in high correlation (r = 0.94) and an observed agreement of 72 % (kappa = 0.76). The automated analysis is a promising approach using low dose central projection DBT images in order to get radiologist- like density ratings similar to results obtained from FFDM.