Comparison between quality parameters of image using the figure of merit

Mammography is a technique that enables the early detection of breast cancer. Since it is the most used technique for this purpose and requires the use of ionizing radiation, it is necessary to optimize the technical parameters for the examination. Optimization maximizes image quality while minimizing the dose. An objective way of performing the optimization is through the Figure of Merit (FOM). The objective of this research is to compare two parameters of FOM image quality and CNR (Noise Contrast Ratio) to understand if the behavior of the two parameters are similar in the process of optimization of the radiographic technique in digital mammography using Computerized Radiology. In order to do this, two analyzes with 4.5 cm-thick breast simulators (CIRS and PMMA) were performed in the Siemens Mammomat 3000 Nova. The Kerma in the incident air was measured with the exposure factors obtained for each image performed, which enabled the calculation of the Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) these parameters. With the values of MGD and the CRN values associated with each image, the optimized technique was calculated through the FOM. Comparisons of these parameters were made. Both showed different results, but the breast simulators showed equivalence in their results