Siemens Healthineers Expands Contrast-Enhanced Mammography

At RSNA 2025, Siemens Healthineers introduced significant new capabilities for its Mammomat B.brilliant mammography system, advancing contrast-enhanced mammography and biopsy workflows. In addition to generating high-resolution 3D breast images via wide-angle tomosynthesis in only five seconds, Mammomat B.brilliant will now be equipped with a newly developed image-reconstruction technique purpose-built for contrast-enhanced examinations. This upgrade delivers greater clarity and consistency, helping reduce the need for additional imaging modalities and supporting faster diagnostic decisions. Designed to be cost-effective and highly available, the on-site solution enables radiology practices to maximize long-term efficiency.

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is a highly sensitive technique used to clarify inconclusive findings or assess disease extent before surgery. By leveraging differences in contrast uptake between healthy and malignant tissue—as well as the varying X-ray absorption characteristics of iodine versus breast tissue—CEM helps radiologists identify and characterize suspicious lesions with greater confidence.

The newly developed ClearCEM image-reconstruction technique for Mammomat B.brilliant provides crystal-clear enhancement and consistent image quality to support lesion detection. Powered by advanced algorithms, ClearCEM generates a more uniform background, aiding the differentiation of suspicious areas and supporting clinical decision-making. This may help reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies or additional imaging and enable faster initiation of treatment.

If a biopsy is required following a contrast-enhanced finding, the procedure is typically performed using contrast to ensure diagnostic continuity. ClearCEM provides a contrast localizer image for tomosynthesis-guided biopsy, enabling targeting accuracy within ±1 mm thanks to high depth resolution—potentially accelerating time-to-diagnosis. Combining ClearCEM-powered scout imaging with tomosynthesis-based targeting under the same compression strengthens confidence, simplifies the procedure, and supports a more streamlined workflow. This efficiency can help increase system availability, a key advantage for high-volume clinical environments.