Automated volumetric breast density estimation out of digital breast tomosynthesis data: feasibility study of a new software version

BACKGROUND A new software version of VolparaDensity (Volpara Algorithm version 1.5.1) is capable of calculating volumetric breast density (VBD) using either full-field digital mammography (FFDM) or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images. In this preliminary study, we evaluated the feasibility and consistency of this new automated software. FINDINGS Raw data from both DBT and FFDM were acquired from women breast cancer screening at our institution between April and August 2015 using. The DBT and FFDM images obtained under a single compression were collected and VBD was measured using fully automated software. A paired t test was used to analyze differences in the VBD calculated from paired FFDM and DBT images. The correlation coefficient (R value) was calculated and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Dualmodality images were acquired in 160 women; VBD data were available for all but one. There was a significant difference in the VBD of individual breasts calculated from DBT and FFDM and when data were compared per case (<0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). There were very good to excellent correlations between data from FFDM and from DBT (R = 0.78, p < 0.0001; per breast, R = 0.89, p < 0.0001, per case, R = 0.91, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS VBD from DBT was well correlated to that from FFDM, though significant differences were observed between the two.