Contrast-enhanced Spectral Mammography: Modality-Specific Artifacts and Other Factors Which May Interfere with Image Quality

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) uses full field digital mammography with the added benefit of intravenous contrast administration to significantly reduce false-positive and false-negative results and improve specificity while maintaining high sensitivity. For CESM to fulfill its purpose, one should be aware of possible artifacts and other factors which may interfere with image quality, and attention should be taken to minimize these factors.

Materials and methods: This pictorial demonstration will depict types of artifacts detected and other factors that interfere with image acquisition in our practice since CESM implementation.

Results: Many of the artifacts and other factors we have encountered while using CESM have simple solutions to resolve them.

Conclusion: The illustrated artifacts and other factors interfering with image quality will serve as a useful reference to anyone using CESM.

Keywords: CESM; artifacts; breast cancer; contrast-enhanced spectral mammography.