Comparison of full field digital (FFD) and computed radiography (CR) mammography systems in Greece

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the performance of 52 full field digital (FFD) and computed radiography (CR) mammography systems checked by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission with respect to dose and image quality. Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) was measured and average glandular dose (AGD) was calculated according to the European protocol on dosimetry in mammography. The exposures were performed using the clinical protocol of each laboratory. The image quality was assessed by the total score of resolved phantom structures incorporated in an American College of Radiology accreditation phantom. The mean ESAK values for FFD and CR systems were 4.59±1.93 and 5.0±1.78 mGy, respectively, whereas the AGD yielded a mean value of 1.06±0.36 mGy for the FFD and 1.04±0.35 mGy for the CR systems. Considering image quality, FFD systems indicated a mean total score of 13.04±0.89, whereas CR systems a mean total score of 11.54±1.06.