Power Spectrum Analysis of an Anthropomorphic Breast Phantom Compared to Patient Data in 2D Digital Mammography and Breast Tomosynthesis

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images of a novel anthropomorphic breast phantom (UPenn phantom) acquired on two breast tomosynthesis systems were analyzed in terms of their power spectra (PS). The β and κ power law coefficients were estimated from 2D planar, tomosynthesis projection images and reconstructed planes. These data were compared to the PS characteristics as retrieved from a group of patient data. Power spectra of the UPenn phantom images were very similar to the patient data, with power law parameters in the range of values found in patients. Power law exponents were 2.99 and 3.45 for 2D, 2.87 and 2.75 for DBT projections and, 1.92 and 3.10 for DBT reconstructions for the Siemens and Hologic system respectively. The agreement was better than with other (non-anthropomorphic) 3D structured phantoms, making this phantom a good candidate test object for DBT performance testing.