X-ray cone-beam breast computed tomography: Phantoms studies on microcalcifications Visibility

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the microcalcifications (MCs) detection capability of the BCT (Breast Computed Tomograph) scanner developed at by our group. The studies have been conducted using a breast phantom with MC inclusions simulated by small fragments of egg-shell (dimensions 350÷450 ¿m). The MCs are positioned in a cluster configuration in regions of interest (ROI) with a diameter of about 8 mm at different depths inside the phantom. The better conditions for MCs visibility/detectability have been investigated as a function of the detector pixel size (50, 200 ¿m), at different air Kerma (5, 7.5, 9 mGy) at X-ray tube voltage 80 kVp.