[Digital magnification mammography. A new technique for improved visualization of microcalcifications in breast cancer diagnosis].

Special X-ray tubes with electromagnetic focusing provide a spatial resolution of up to 50 lp/mm at a focal spot size of about 10 microns. Radiographs of whole female breast specimens as well as paraffin blocks were taken at magnifications up to x 10. The initial results revealed numerous microcalcifications smaller than < 100 microns that had not been detected by conventional grid mammography. The combination of a microfocal spot with digital radiography results in as yet unmatched resolution of microcalcifications and makes the advantages of image post-processing available to mammography. However, specific types of calcification could not be established in malignant or benign histological findings.