OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to verify the effect of changes in subject contrast, exposure time and radiation dose when different thicknesses of molybdenum (Mo) and rhodium (Rh) filters are used in mammography equipments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Entrance skin exposure measurements were performed with an ionization chamber for different thicknesses of Mo and Rh filters. Average glandular dose was determined with a BR12 simulator (50% fat tissue and 50% glandular tissue) of different thicknesses (4 cm and 8 cm). Energies in the range of 24 to 34 kVp and Kodak MinR 2000 films were used. RESULTS: Results have evidenced data on subject contrast data, glandular dose and exposure time for different thicknesses of additional filters and different kVp values. These data have indicated an increase both in values of subject contrast and exposure time when filters thickness is increased. The glandular dose has presented a different behavior tendency for each case analyzed. Equations were defined to allow us to estimate subject contrast, glandular dose and exposure time for the cases studied. CONCLUSION: The results have made possible to define equations to assist with the evaluation of subject contrast and glandular dose behavior in simulators with 4 cm and 8 cm thicknesses and for Rh and Mo additional filters. In this way, it is possible to estimate the figure of merit (subject contrast/glandular dose ratio) to assist in the risk-benefit analysis of the cases studied.

Keywords: Mammography, Radiation exposure, External dosimetry