Comparison of two-dimensional synthesized mammogram (2DSM) and conventional full-field digital mammogram (FFDM) for evaluation of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 2DSM and FFDM for evaluation of breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observer performance study was done by 3 breast radiologists. The diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and detailed lesion characterization of each 2DSM and FFDM were evaluated blindly to determine superior modality.

RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy was not significantly different between two modalities. The image quality was superior in 2DSM (p-value 0.0362).

CONCLUSIONS: 2DSM showed equivalent diagnostic accuracy and superior image quality to FFDM. Overall characterization of the lesion was better in 2DSM, and 2DSM showed superiority in evaluation of spiculated margins.