Patterns in the Use and Perception of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: A Survey of Korean Breast Radiologists

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the pattern of use and the perception of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) among Korean breast radiologists.

Materials and methods: From March 22 to 29, 2021, an online survey comprising 27 questions was sent to members of the Korean Society of Breast Imaging. Questions related to practice characteristics, utilization and perception of DBT, and research interests. Results were analyzed based on factors using logistic regression.

Results: Overall, 120 of 257 members responded to the survey (response rate, 46.7%), 67 (55.8%) of whom reported using DBT. The overall satisfaction with DBT was 3.31 (1-5 scale). The most-cited DBT advantages were decreased recall rate (55.8%), increased lesion conspicuity (48.3%), and increased cancer detection (45.8%). The most-cited DBT disadvantages were extra cost for patients (46.7%), insufficient calcification characterization (43.3%), insufficient improvement in diagnostic performance (39.2%), and radiation dose (35.8%). Radiologists reported increased storage requirements and interpretation time for barriers to implementing DBT.

Conclusion: Further improvement of DBT techniques reflecting feedback from the user's perspective will help increase the acceptance of DBT in Korea.