Background Open source software and new, powerful mobile devices have become available, that allow to display a large amount of medical images from several imaging modalities without the need for dedicated standalone workstations. Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2D image review of CT Colonography (CTC) datasets on the mobile device iPad2® (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA) with the open source software OsiriX HD. Evaluation We retrospectively reviewed 23 CTC examinations performed in a colorectal cancer screening setting. CTC images had been acquired in the supine and prone position using a low radiation dose and a fecal tagging protocol based on oral administration of iodinated contrast material. All datasets were wirelessly imported in DICOM format on an iPad2® 64GB (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA) running OsiriX HD® (www.osirix-viewer.com) from a Macintosh desktop computer (iMac® 3.06GHz) connected to our hospital PACS and running OsiriX 3.9. Two experienced raters read CTC datasets independently on the iMac® and on the iPad2®. Detection rate and segmental localization of lesions were recorded for each CTC dataset, as well as the time needed for complete reading of each CTC examination. Image quality was also visually assessed using a three-point scale (1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good). All lesions detected on the iMac® were also identified on the iPad2®, and their segmental localization was correctly assessed in 100% of cases. Image quality was good with both devices, while image reading time was longer on the iPad2® than on the iMac® (5.32±2.16 vs 3.51±1.58 minutes, respectively [mean±standard deviation], p<0.05). Discussion Our findings show that the iPad2® can be used for 2D review of CTC, as all lesions detected on the iMac® were found with good image quality. The longer time needed for reading of CTC suggests that the iPad2® is not optimized for primary reporting, but can be suitable for preliminary 2D reading of CTC examinations. The iPad2® may also find a role for image sharing and for teaching purposes. Limitations of 2D reading should be overcome by the introduction of software with 3D tools. CONCLUSION The iPad2® can reliably be used for 2D review of CTC datasets.
CT Colonography Image Review on the iPad2®: Evaluation of Performance for 2D Image
NERI, EMANUELE;
2011-01-01
Abstract
Background Open source software and new, powerful mobile devices have become available, that allow to display a large amount of medical images from several imaging modalities without the need for dedicated standalone workstations. Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2D image review of CT Colonography (CTC) datasets on the mobile device iPad2® (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA) with the open source software OsiriX HD. Evaluation We retrospectively reviewed 23 CTC examinations performed in a colorectal cancer screening setting. CTC images had been acquired in the supine and prone position using a low radiation dose and a fecal tagging protocol based on oral administration of iodinated contrast material. All datasets were wirelessly imported in DICOM format on an iPad2® 64GB (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA) running OsiriX HD® (www.osirix-viewer.com) from a Macintosh desktop computer (iMac® 3.06GHz) connected to our hospital PACS and running OsiriX 3.9. Two experienced raters read CTC datasets independently on the iMac® and on the iPad2®. Detection rate and segmental localization of lesions were recorded for each CTC dataset, as well as the time needed for complete reading of each CTC examination. Image quality was also visually assessed using a three-point scale (1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good). All lesions detected on the iMac® were also identified on the iPad2®, and their segmental localization was correctly assessed in 100% of cases. Image quality was good with both devices, while image reading time was longer on the iPad2® than on the iMac® (5.32±2.16 vs 3.51±1.58 minutes, respectively [mean±standard deviation], p<0.05). Discussion Our findings show that the iPad2® can be used for 2D review of CTC, as all lesions detected on the iMac® were found with good image quality. The longer time needed for reading of CTC suggests that the iPad2® is not optimized for primary reporting, but can be suitable for preliminary 2D reading of CTC examinations. The iPad2® may also find a role for image sharing and for teaching purposes. Limitations of 2D reading should be overcome by the introduction of software with 3D tools. CONCLUSION The iPad2® can reliably be used for 2D review of CTC datasets.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
