An analysis of an alternative scintimammography system

A novel system for scintimammography has been developed, which has high spatial resolution, good sensitivity, better energy resolution, and lower cost than conventional systems. In addition, the system incorporates the potential to provide additional information and functionality beyond imaging, including x,y and z lesion location, integration with a stereotatic biopsy system and images both breasts at the same time. Methods: The system uses sheet NaI (Tl) crystals, PM Tubes, and slant hole collimators allowing complete separation of the breast from the chest wall while remaining in contact with the breast at all depths. The physical characteristics are presented, with images and compared with other systems. Results: The limit of lesion detectability in terms lesion size, depth and contrast has been investigated and compared with a current conventional system. Using accepted patient dose data, the anticipated radiopharmaceutical activity related to the lesion size is used for imaging tests and provides a measure of expected of lesion detectability. Conclusion: Large area, sheet NaI (Tl) detector systems with slant hole collimators are capable of imaging features of below 5mm size at both surface and at clinical depths with the amount of activity expected in lesions of this size with patient administered doses in the clinically acceptable range.