Abstract
{\it Purpose:} The effect of Bayesian image estimation (BIE), which reduces image scatter and improves contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR), on reduced dose digital mammography is studied.
{\it Methods/Materials:} Standard dose digital mammographic images of the ACR breast phantom were acquired with and without a grid. Additional images were acquired without the grid at reduced exposures and were processed by BIE. CNR values were computed for visible masses before and after processing for each exposure and compared to using a grid.
{\it Results:} With no change in exposure, BIE applied to the image acquired without the grid improves CNR from 209 to 520% over that provided by the grid. While these results were not as good at reduced exposures, BIE processing still improved CNR from 236 to 465% over a grid.
{\it Conclusions:} BIE processing of reduced exposure level images offers increased CNR and subjective visualization compared to images acquired with a grid at standard exposure.
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