Optimization of breast imaging procedure with dedicated compact gamma cameras

Results are presented on studies conducted with various prototypes of a dedicated small field-of-view (SFOV) gamma camera for use in radiopharmaceutical studies of the breast. Since the experience in the clinical use of such instruments is limited, these experiments were conducted to test various clinical imaging implementations. Both planar and tomographic techniques were utilized to image various compressed and noncompressed breast phantoms. Lesion contrast was used to quantify the lesion visibility of each case. The results of this study indicate that lesion contrast is optimized with planar imaging of the compressed breast and that contrast is also dependent on lesion-to-detector distance. Based on these observations, planar imaging conducted with a system comprised of two opposed detectors providing compression to the breast would be optimal. The opposed views would ensure the minimization of lesion-to-detector distance, especially for lesions whose location is not known a-priori.