Joo Hee Cha MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Woo Kyung Moon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare observer performance using LCD and CRT monitors for the detection and classification of clustered microcalcifications and masses in digital mammograms.

Three radiologists blindly assessed 100 bilateral two-view screening mammograms obtained by using a full-field digital mammography system. Of these, 28 mammograms depicted microcalcifications (12 benign and 16 malignant), 18 depicted masses (10 benign and 8 malignant), and 54 depicted no apparent abnormality. All abnormalities were verified from histology. The images were stored without compression as DICOM files and randomized for two sessions of soft copy reading. The readers independently read all cases displayed on two high-resolution 5-megapixel (M) LCD, and 5M CRT monitors under the same viewing conditions with three-month interval. Observers were asked to rate the images on a five-point scale for the likelihood of the presence of microcalcifications and masses independently and were asked to rate the probability of malignancy on a scale of 0 to 100. Results were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

The mean Az values for the detection of microcalcifications were 0.9701 and 0.8456, and Az values for masses were 0.9648 and 0.9495 on 5M LCD and 5M CRT monitors, respectively. The Az values for the probability of malignancy were 0.9559 and 0.9371. No statistically significant differences between two monitors were detected (p > 0.05).

LCD and CRT monitors were comparable for the detection and classification of clustered microcalcifications and masses in digital mammograms. For detecting microcalcifications, however, a LCD monitor was better than a CRT, although the difference was not statistically significant.

LCD and CRT monitors are comparable for the detection and classification of clustered microcalcifications and masses in digital mammograms.

Cha, J, Moon, W, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) versus Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors for Digital Mammography: A Comparison of Observer Performance in the Detection and Classification of Clustered Microcalcifications and Masses.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5010299.html