[Value of different systems of mammography records with regard to their exposure to radiation and their information content (author's transl)].

We learned from our examinations that, if there were optimum conditions, the combination Medichrome MR50 as a form of low dose method offers the same information content as the film without intensifying screens PE 4006. We found out that the discernibleness of details of 70 non selected mammographies which had each been taken by both systems was absolutely identical. By xeroradiography, however, a more precise representation of details, especially if there are microcalcifications, is possible because of its effect which renders the edges more visible. If the Medichrome low dose method was applied, the exposure to radiation of the breast was, depending on the density and width or the organ, only 1/12 to 1/14 of the dose measured if the film without intensifying screens was used. The exposure to radiation connected with xeroradiography is between these two values. We came to the following conclusion: the low dose method is recommended for routine mammographies, and only if there are special problems or if suspicious findings are to be clarified, xeroradiography is applied as supplementary examination method. Before using the film without intensifying screens, one should consider the high radiation exposure which, however, does not involve a greater information content.