A tomosynthesis exam is performed in the same manner as a conventional 2D exam and adds just a few seconds to the total exam time. Patients notice little, if any, difference from a conventional mammogram.
In Hologic's Selenia Dimensions breast tomosynthesis system, the tube head moves in a 15-degree arc over the breast, acquiring 15 low-dose images in approximately 4 seconds.
Tomosynthesis images are displayed on high-resolution monitors in 1-mm thick slices.
Radiologists are able to scroll through the breast one layer at a time, free from the confusion of overlying structures above and below.
Dr. Sonnenschein Martin, Klinik Engeried, Bern, Switzerland, describes a case where a radial distortion, was seen only in the tomosynthesis images