Digitizing and consolidating mammograms and other images for teaching applications.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Most mammograms are obtained using screen-film technique and must be digitized for teaching purposes. Digitizing mammograms poses special problems because of high contrast and multiple views. We describe the equipment and process for digitizing and consolidating mammograms for teaching purposes. These techniques can be applied to any type of images where consolidation may be helpful.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mammograms are digitized using a high optical density scanner. After the window and levels are adjusted, a four-view mammogram may be consolidated into a single image if desired.

RESULTS

The high contrast of film screen mammograms is managed by using a high optical density scanner. Consolidation of image sets, such as a four-view mammogram, allows images to be easily inserted into text, slide, or poster documents.

CONCLUSIONS

Digitizing mammograms for teaching purposes is facilitated by use of a high optical density scanner and consolidation of image sets into single images. The techniques described are also useful for other areas of radiology in which display of multiple images or modalities is desirable.