Technical feasibility of automated blur detection in digital mammography using convolutional neural network

Abstract Background The presence of a blurred area, depending on its localization, in a mammogram can limit diagnostic accuracy. The goal of this study was to develop a model for automatic detection of blur in diagnostically relevant locations in digital mammography. Methods A retrospective dataset consisting of 152 examinations acquired with mammography machines from three different vendors was utilized. The blurred areas were contoured by expert breast radiologists. Normalized Wiener spectra (nWS) were extracted in a sliding window manner from each mammogram. These spectra served as input for a convolutional neural network (CNN) generating the probability of the spectra originating from a blurred region. The resulting blur probability mask, upon thresholding, facilitated the classification of a mammogram as either blurred or sharp. Ground truth for the test set was defined by the consensus of two radiologists. Results A significant correlation between the view (p < 0.001), as well as between the laterality and the presence of blur (p = 0.004) was identified. The developed model AUROC of 0.808 (95% confidence interval 0.794–0.821) aligned with the consensus in 78% (67–83%) of mammograms classified as blurred. For mammograms classified by consensus as sharp, the model achieved agreement in 75% (67–83%) of them. Conclusion A model for blur detection was developed and assessed. The results indicate that a robust approach to blur detection, based on feature extraction in frequency space, tailored to radiologist expertise regarding clinical relevance, could eliminate the subjectivity associated with the visual assessment. Relevance statement This blur detection model, if implemented in clinical practice, could provide instantaneous feedback to technicians, allowing for prompt mammogram retakes and ensuring that only high-quality mammograms are sent for screening and diagnostic tasks. Key Points Blurring in mammography limits radiologist interpretation and diagnostic accuracy. This objective blur detection tool ensures image quality, and reduces retakes and unnecessary exposures. Wiener spectrum analysis and CNN enabled automated blur detection in mammography. Graphical Abstract