Estudo sobre o uso do Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) em um Hospital Universitário da cidade de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil / A study on the use of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at the Hospital the Federal University of Belo Horizonte city of Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG)

Estudo sobre o uso do Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) em um Hospital Universitário da Cidade de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais- Brasil. 2023. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Mestrado Profissional em Trabalho e Gestão Participativa na Saúde) ­ Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. No contexto hospitalar, os exames de imagem são fundamentais para subsidiar e qualificar a tomada de decisão clínica. A radiologia, enquanto especialidade da medicina, tem como objetivo auxiliar os profissionais solicitantes na tomada de decisão para o diagnóstico. A radiologia é essencial porque, em diversas situações, é dela que deriva o tratamento. No contexto do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG), utiliza-se o sistema de arquivamento, comunicação de imagens médicas conhecido como- Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Ele é usado no setor da radiologia, permitindo aos outros profissionais solicitantes o acesso e a análise das imagens médicas, de forma eficiente e segura. A pergunta que norteou este estudo foi: Quais as potencialidades e os desafios decorrentes do uso do PACS no setor de Radiologia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG)? O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar como foi a implantação e a implementação do uso do PACS no setor de radiologia do HC-UFMG. Trata-se de um estudo de natureza qualitativa, exploratória e descritiva. O cenário da pesquisa foi o setor de Radiologia do HC-UFMG. Os participantes foram nove médicos radiologistas do referido setor. Foi adotado como critério de inclusão: médicos radiologistas efetivos (médicos concursados e que não estavam em período de férias e ou afastados) que utilizavam o sistema PACS no setor da Radiologia do HC-UFMG. Como critérios de exclusão adotou-se: médicos que não compunham o quadro efetivo no setor, ou seja, que eram voluntários ou residentes; foram excluídos também dois médicos que estavam de férias e dois que estavam de licença formal durante o período da coleta de dados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado e levantamento documental. Realizou-se a análise dos dados das entrevistas pela técnica de Análise de Conteúdo e, dos documentos, por análise documental. A pesquisa foi submetida ao Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (COEP/UFMG) e aprovada pelo CAAE 67471123.0.0000.5149, após aprovação pelo Departamento de Gestão em Saúde e anuência da Gerência de Ensino e Pesquisa (GEP) do HC/UFMG. Os principais resultados indicam que o PACS é considerado uma ferramenta central e eficiente pelos radiologistas entrevistados, por facilitar o acesso e a visualização dos exames de imagem, agilizar a tomada de decisão clínica e contribuir para uma assistência mais coordenada e eficaz. Conclui-se que a relevância deste estudo se reflete na contribuição para a compreensão das potencialidades e desafios relacionados ao uso do PACS em um hospital universitário, fornecendo subsídios para aprimorar a gestão em saúde e a assistência aos pacientes. O produto técnico deste estudo é um relatório técnico, a ser apresentado à direção do HC/UFMG. Palavras-chave: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Tecnologia. Eficiência. Gestão em Saúde.

A study on the use of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at the Hospital the Federal University of Belo Horizonte city of Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG). 2023. Dissertation (Professional Master's in Work and Participatory Management in Health) - School of Nursing, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. In the hospital context, imaging tests are essential to support and qualify clinical decision- making. Radiology, as a specialty of medicine, aims to assist referring physicians in making diagnostic decisions. Radiology is essential because in several situations, treatment is derived from it. In the context of Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (HC- UFMG), we used the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for archiving and communication medical images. Which is used in the radiology sector and allows other requesting professionals to access and analyze medical images efficiently and securely. A question that guided this study was: What are the potentialities and challenges resulting from the use of the future Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in the Radiology sector Clinical Hospital of Federal University of Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG)? The purpose of the research was to analyze the potentialities and challenges resulting from the use of PACS in the radiology at HC-UFMG. This is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive. The research scenario was the Radiology sector of HC-UFMG. The participants were nine radiologists from that sector. The following inclusion criteria were adopted: effective radiologists (doctors who were on public service and who were not on vacation and/or away) who used the PACS system in the Radiology sector of HC-UFMG. As exclusion criteria it was adopted: physicians who did not make up the effective physicians in the sector, that is, who were volunteers or residents; were excluded also two doctors who were on vacation and two who were on formal leave during the period of data collection. Data collection was carried out through interviews with a script semi-structured and documentary survey. Data analysis of the interviews was carried out by the Content Analysis technique and documents by document analysis. The research was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (COEP/UFMG) and approved by CAAE 67471123.0.0000.5149, after approval by Department of Health Management and approval of the Teaching and Research Management (GEP) of the HC-UFMG The main results indicate that the PACS is considered a tool central and efficient by the radiologist interviewed, as it facilitates access and visualization of imaging exams, streamline clinical decision-making and contribute to more coordinated and effective. It is concluded that the relevance of this study is reflected in the contribution to the understanding of the potentialities and challenges related to the use of PACS in a hospital university, providing subsidies to improve health management and assistance to patients. The technical product of this study is a technical report, to be presented to the management from HC-UFMG. Keywords: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Technology. Efficiency. Health management.

How is the use of digital dental radiology in a developing country? An overview of Brazil / ¿Cómo es el uso de la radiología dental digital en un país en vías de desarrollo? Una visión general de Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the use of digital dental radiology in Brazil, by focusing on the use of image receptors, imaging exams and digital image enhancement tools, also assessing the methods of professional image transfer. Questionnaires were distributed in person on dental meetings and digitally via messaging (WhatsApp®) and mailings list. The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 478 questionnaires. Most participants were woman (n=315, 65.9%), with average age of 33.8±9.2 years. Descriptive and frequency analysis was performed. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used (α=0.05). Most dentists worked at shared dental clinics (34.7%) and use digital image receptors (51.1%), but a representative percentage (48.9%) still exclusively use radiographic films. Photostimulable phosphor plate is the most used digital image receptor. Among extraoral exams, panoramic radiography (PAN) is the most used. Regarding dental specialties, oral radiologists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons mostly use cone-beam computed tomography (p<0.001). Most dentists who use digital systems make use of digital image enhancement tools (87.8%), mainly contrast, zoom, brightness and measurements. The most common method of professional image transfer (professional-professional and professional-patiens) is by email, with few dentists using online app and social media (26%). Therefore, while most Brazilian dentists use digital imaging systems, a significant percentage still exclusively use radiographic films. The most extraoral imaging exams used is PAN. Regarding image enhancement tools, brightness and contrast adjustments, zoom and measurements are the most applied. Finally, dentists generally use email for professional image transfer.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar uso de la radiología dental digital en Brasil, centrándose en uso de receptores de imagen, exámenes de imágenes y herramientas de mejora de imagen digital, evaluando también los métodos de transferencia de imagen profesional. Cuestionarios se distribuyeron de forma presencial en reuniones odontológicas y de forma digital a través de mensajería (WhatsApp®) y lista de correo. Muestra de este estudio transversal estuvo compuesta por 478 cuestionarios. Mayoría de los participantes eran mujeres (n=315, 65,9%), con edad promedio de 33,8±9,2 años. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y de frecuencias. Se utilizaron las pruebas Chi-cuadrado y exacta de Fisher (α=0,05). La mayoría de los odontólogos trabajaban en clínicas dentales compartidas (34,7%) y utilizan receptores de imágenes digitales (51,1%), pero un porcentaje representativo (48,9%) todavía utiliza exclusivamente películas radiográficas. Placa de fósforo fotoestimulable es el receptor de imagen digital más utilizado. Entre los exámenes extraorales, la radiografía panorámica (PAN) es la más utilizada. En cuanto a las especialidades odontológicas, los radiólogos orales y los cirujanos orales y maxilofaciales utilizan mayoritariamente la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (p<0,001). Mayoría de los odontólogos que utilizan sistemas digitales utilizan herramientas de mejora de imagen digital (87,8%), principalmente contraste, zoom, brillo y medidas. Método más común de transferencia de imágenes profesionales (profesional-profesional y profesional-pacientes) es por correo electrónico, con pocos dentistas que utilizan aplicaciones en línea y redes sociales (26%). Por lo tanto, mientras que la mayoría de dentistas brasileños utilizan sistemas de imágenes digitales, un porcentaje significativo aún utiliza exclusivamente películas radiográficas. Examen de imagen extraoral más utilizado es el PAN. En cuanto a las herramientas de mejora de imagen, los ajustes de brillo y contraste, el zoom y las medidas son las más aplicadas. Finalmente, los dentistas generalmente usan el correo electrónico para la transferencia de imágenes profesionales.

Use of the Bone Ninja Mobile Application as a Pre-operative Assessment and Simulation Tool in Patients Undergoing High Tibial Osteotomy / Uso do aplicativo móvel Bone Ninja como ferramenta de avaliação e simulação pré-operatória em pacientes submetidos a osteotomia tibial alta

Abstract Objective Our purpose was to facilitate the simulation of preoperative correction to enable shared doctor-patient decision-making in individuals undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Methods A total of 22 patients underwent high tibial osteotomy using internal or external fixation devices for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. Preoperatively, assessment of deformity parameters and simulation of the corrective osteotomy was done in the presence of the patient, using Bone Ninja. Postoperatively, the patient's satisfaction level with the quality of explanation provided by the use of this software was assessed using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-short (PSQ-18). A comparison of the correction obtained using paper cuttings and the simulation software was performed. Results All patients were satisfied with their role in the decision-making process. They showed a good understanding and comprehension of the proposed surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between simulated preoperative Medial Proximal Tibial Angle (MPTA) obtained by paper cuttings and software-assisted correction. The PSQ-18 mean score for communication was 4.24 (0.88), for technical quality it was 4.11 (0.59) and for general satisfaction it was 3.11 (0.68). Conclusion Bone Ninja is an effective, convenient, user-friendly and cost-effective deformity planning tool that supersedes the arduous traditional method of paper tracings and scissors.

Resumo Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi facilitar a simulação da correção no pré-operatório para permitir a tomada de decisão médico-paciente compartilhada em indivíduos submetidos a osteotomia tibial alta (OTA). Método22 pacientes foram submetidos a osteotomia tibial alta usando dispositivos de fixação internos ou externos para osteoartrite do compartimento medial do joelho. No pré-operatório, a avaliação dos parâmetros de deformidade e a simulação da osteotomia corretiva foram realizadas na presença do paciente, utilizando Bone Ninja. No pós-operatório, o nível de satisfação do paciente com a qualidade da explicação fornecida pelo uso deste software foi avaliado usando o Questionário de Satisfação do Paciente (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-short, PSQ-18, na sigla em inglês). Foi realizada uma comparação da correção obtida com recortes de papel e com o software de simulação. Resultados Todos os pacientes ficaram satisfeitos com seu papel no processo de tomada de decisão. Eles mostraram uma boa compreensão e entendimento da cirurgia proposta. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativamente entre o ângulo tibial proximal medial (ATPM) pré-operatório simulado obtido por recortes de papel e correção assistida por software. O escore médio do PSQ-18 para comunicação foi de 4,24 (0,88), para a qualidade técnica foi de 4,11 (0,59) e para a satisfação geral foi de 3,11 (0,68). Conclusão Bone Ninja é uma ferramenta de planejamento de deformidade eficaz, conveniente, fácil de usar e econômica que substitui o método tradicional árduo de traçar no papel e com tesoura.

Sistema de Información Radiológica XAVIA RIS / Radiology Information System XAVIA RIS

El Sistema para el Almacenamiento, Transmisión y Visualización de Imágenes Médicas XAVIA PACS, desarrollado por la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas, se utiliza en múltiples instituciones de salud de Cuba. El propósito de estas herramientas es manejar la imagen médica, por lo que no gestionan la información que se capta en los servicios de diagnóstico por imágenes, entre los que se encuentran los datos del paciente, del estudio imagenológico y el informe diagnóstico. En este trabajo se exponen los resultados del desarrollo de un sistema informático para la gestión de la información imagenológica integrado al sistema XAVIA PACS para garantizar el control automatizado de la información en los servicios de diagnóstico por imágenes. Para el desarrollo previsto fue determinante la necesidad de reutilizar el código fuente ya implementado en el sistema XAVIA PACS; se seleccionó Microsoft.NET Framework, ASP.NET 3.5, C# 3.5 como lenguaje de programación, PostgreSQL como sistema de gestión de Base de Datos. Adicionalmente, fueron tenidos en cuenta la portabilidad, el procesamiento complejo interno, la facilidad de la instalación, y la facilidad del cambio. El sistema desarrollado automatiza la gestión de las listas de trabajo en los servicios de diagnósticos por imágenes, la gestión de la información del paciente, las citaciones, la planificación del trabajo de las modalidades médicas, y especialistas de radiología. La implantación del sistema desarrollado en diferentes instituciones de salud que emplean el sistema XAVIA PACS, validó la pertinencia y aplicabilidad del mismo(AU)

The XAVIA PACS Medical Images Storage, Transmission and Visualization System, developed by the University of Computer Sciences is used in multiple Cuban health institutions. The purpose of these tools is to manage the medical image, so they do not manage the information that is captured in the diagnostic imaging services, among which are the patient's data, the imaging study and the diagnostic report. This article presents a computer system for the management of imaging information integrated into the XAVIA PACS system to ensure automated control of information in diagnostic imaging services. For the planned development, the need to reuse the source code already implemented in the XAVIA PACS system was decisive; Microsoft.NET Framework, ASP.NET 3.5, C # 3.5 were selected as the programming language, PostgreSQL as the Database management system. Additionally, portability, complex internal processing, ease of installation, and ease of change were considered. The developed system automates the management of work lists in diagnostic imaging services, the management of patient information, appointments, work planning of medical modalities, and radiology specialists. The implementation of the system developed in different health institutions that use the XAVIA PACS system, validated its relevance and applicability(AU)

Neumonía por COVID19: Valoración por imagen, lo básico / COVID­19 pneumonia: Imaging evaluation, the basics

La pandemia de COVID­19 ha resultado en una emergencia de salud global. Los estu­dios de imagen utilizados en esta enfermedad son la radiografía de tórax (RX) y la to­mografía computarizada (TC). Ambas modalidades tienen sus hallazgos descritos, pero no son específicos dado que muchas enfermedades pueden producir patrones simila­res, particularmente las neumonías virales. Los RX de tórax muestra hallazgos consis­tentes en opacidades alveolares las cuales son múltiples, periféricas, bilaterales y basales, mientras que la tomografía de tórax sus hallazgos más frecuentes son presen­cia de patrón en vidrio deslustrado, consolidaciones, engrosamiento septal, patrón en empedrado, dilatación bronquial y engrosamiento peri bronquial, broncograma, patrón de halo invertido y patrón de neumonía organizada. Los hallazgos por imagen depen­den del tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad ya que en etapas tempranas puede ser normal tanto en la RX como la TC. El riesgo de trombo embolismo pulmonar es alto y más frecuente que en pacientes con COVID­19 negativo

The COVID­19 pandemic has resulted in a global health emergency. The imaging stu­dies used in this disease are chest radiography (CXR) and computed tomography (CT). Both imaging modalities findings have had their findings. These findings described are not specific since many diseases can produce similar patterns. CXR shows somewhat consistent findings consisting of alveolar opacities which are multiple, peripheral, bilate­ral and basal, while CT the most frequent findings are the presence of grounded glass pattern, consolidations, septal thickening, crazy paving pattern, bronchial dilation and peribronchial thickening, air bronchograms, inverted halo sign and organized pneumo­nia. Imaging findings depends on the evolution time of the disease since in the early sta­ges both chest radiography and tomography may be normal. The risk for pulmonary embolism is high and more frequent than in patients with negative COVID­19

Technical Realization of Integrating Bone Age Artificial Intelligence Assessment System with Hospital RIS-PACS Network / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the integration method and technical realization of artificial intelligence bone age assessment system with the hospital RIS-PACS network and workflow.@*METHODS@#Two sets of artificial intelligence based on bone age assessment systems (CHBoneAI 1.0/2.0) were developed. The intelligent system was further integrated with RIS-PACS based on the http protocol in Python flask web framework.@*RESULTS@#The two sets of systems were successfully integrated into the local network and RIS-PACS in hospital. The deployment has been smoothly running for nearly 3 years. Within the current network setting, it takes less than 3 s to complete bone age assessment for a single patient.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The artificial intelligence based bone age assessment system has been deployed in clinical RIS-PACS platform and the "running in parallel", which is marking a success of Stage-I and paving the way to Stage-II where the intelligent systems can evolve to become more powerful in particular of the system self-evolution and the "running alternatively".

GIRADS: método de clasificación de masas anexiales, revisión sistemática y metanálisis. 10 años de experiencia / GIRADS: adnexal masses classification method, systematic review and metanalysis. 10 years of experience

OBJETIVO: evaluar la experiencia en la utilización del método GIRADS para clasificar masas anexiales a diez años de su primera publicación. MÉTODO: Se realizó búsqueda de estudios que utilizan el sistema GIRADS: Medline (Pubmed), Google Scholar y Web of Science, desde enero de 2009 hasta diciembre de 2019. Se calculó la sensibilidad y especificidad agrupada, Likelihood ratio (LR) (+) y LR (-) y Odds ratio de diagnóstico (DOR). La calidad de los estudios se evaluó con QUADAS-2. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 15 estudios y se incluyeron 13 de ellos con 4473 masas, 878 de ellas malignas. La prevalencia media de malignidad ovárica fue del 23 % y la agrupada de 19.6%. El riesgo de sesgo fue alto en cuatro estudios para el dominio "selección de pacientes" y fue bajo en todos en todos los estudios para los dominios "prueba índice" y "prueba de referencia". La sensibilidad, especificidad, LR (+) y LR (-) agrupadas y el DOR del sistema GIRADS para clasificar las masas anexiales fueron: 96.8% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% = 94% - 98%), 91.2 % (IC 95 % = 85% - 94%), 11.0 (IC 95% = 6.9 -13.4) y 0.035 (IC 95% = 0.02- 0.09), y 209 (IC 95% = 99-444), respectivamente. La heterogeneidad fue alta para la sensibilidad y especificidad. De acuerdo a la metaregresión, la heterogeneidad entre los estudios se explica por la prevalencia de malignidad, múltiples observadores y la ausencia de diagnóstico histopatológico para todos los casos incluidos en un determinado estudio. CONCLUSIÓN: el sistema GIRADS tiene un buen rendimiento diagnóstico para clasificar masas anexiales.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the experience of using GIRADS method to classify adnexal masses ten years after its publication. METHOD: A search was carried out for studies reporting on the use of the GIRADS system in the Medline (Pubmed), Google Scholar and Web of Science databases, from January 2009 to December 2019. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, Likelihood ratio (LR) (+) and LR (-) and Diagnostic Odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The quality of the studies was assessed by QUADAS-2. RESULTS: 15 studies were identified, and 13 of them were included with 4473 masses, of which 878 were malignant. The mean prevalence of ovarian malignancy was 23% and the prevalence pooled. of 19.6%. The risk of bias was high in four studies for the domain 'patient selection' and low for all studies for the domains 'index test' and 'reference test'. The sensitivity, specificity, pooled LR (+) and LR (-) and the DOR of the GIRADS system to classify adnexal masses were 96.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 94% -98%), 91.2 % (95% CI = 85% -94%), 11.0 (95% CI = 6.9-13.4) and 0.035 (95% CI = 0.02-0.09), and 209 (95% CI = 99-444), respectively. Heterogeneity was high for both sensitivity and specificity. According to meta-regression, this heterogeneity was explained by the prevalence of malignancy, the use of multiple observers, and the absence of histopathological diagnosis for all cases included in a given study. CONCLUSION: the GIRADS system has a good diagnostic performance to classify adnexal masses.

Caso clínico 2. ¿Cuál sería su enfoque terapéutico? / Clinical Case 2. What would be your therapeutic approach?

Paciente de 46 años, sexo femenino, con dolor abdominal, se encuentra el siguiente hallazgo.

46 years old female patient with abdominal pain, present some findings

¿Cómo y por qué migrar hacia el informe radiológico estructurado contextualizado? / How and Why to Migrate to Radiology Structured and Contextualized Report?

Los informes estructurados contextualizados cumplen tres características fundamentales: tienen una estructura uniforme que responde una pregunta clínica, son el producto de listas de chequeo estandarizadas o de árboles de conocimiento previamente concertados con equipos clínicos multidisciplinarios y se construyen a partir de cuadros de selección de atributos incorporados en los sistemas de informe electrónicos, adicionalmente, el atributo contextualizado hace referencia a la capacidad del informe de responder las preguntas clínicas de la situación actual del paciente, otorgando información relevante de forma concisa y clara a los médicos tratantes. Dentro de las principales ventajas de migrar hacia el informe estructurado se encuentran la uniformidad y la alta calidad del informe, el aumento en la concordancia intra e interobservador, así como la reducción de las tasas de error diagnóstico y una mejora significativa en la comunicación con los médicos tratantes. Se presenta una revisión temática que abarca las características esenciales del informe estructurado contextualizado, los argumentos a favor y en contra de este, los pasos recomendados para su implementación y las oportunidades de mejora hacia el futuro.

Structured reporting in radiology fulfill three fundamental characteristics: they have a uniform structure that answers a clinical question, they are the product of standardized checklists or of knowledge trees previously arranged with multidisciplinary clinical teams, and they are incorporated in option-selection boxes available in electronic reporting systems. Among the main advantages of migrating towards structured reporting are the uniformity and high quality of the report, the increase in intra and interobserver concordance, as well as the reduction of the diagnostic error rates and a significant improvement in communication with the clinical practitioner. This thematic review covers the essential characteristics of the structured report, the arguments for and against it, the recommended steps for its implementation, and the future opportunities for improvement.

The ‘Hot Cross Bun’ Sign Is Not Always Multiple System Atrophy: Etiologies of 11 Cases

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the specificity of the ‘hot cross bun’ sign (HCBS) for multiple system atrophy (MSA) in adult cerebellar ataxia or parkinsonism. METHODS: The radiologic information systems at an academic center and affiliated veterans' hospital were queried using the keywords ‘hot cross bun,’ ‘pontocerebellar,’ ‘cruciate,’ ‘cruciform,’ ‘MSA,’ ‘multiple system atrophy,’ and ‘multisystem atrophy.’ Scans were reviewed by a neurologist and neuroradiologist to identify the HCBS. Subjects with the HCBS were reviewed by 2 neurologists to identify the most likely etiology of the patient's neurologic symptoms. RESULTS: Eleven cases were identified. Etiologies included MSA (4 probable, 2 possible), hereditary cerebellar ataxia (3/11), probable dementia with Lewy bodies (1/11), and uncertain despite autopsy (1/11). CONCLUSION: MSA was the most common etiology. However, 5 of the 11 patients did not have MSA. The most common alternate etiology was an undefined hereditary cerebellar ataxia (3/11).

PACS Implementation Challenges in a Public Healthcare Institution: A South African Vendor Perspective / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: Conventional radiological processes have been replaced by digital images and information technology systems within South Africa and other developing countries. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) technology offers many benefits to institutions, medical personnel and patients; however, the implementation of such systems can be a challenging task. It has been documented that South Africa has been using PACS for more than a decade in public hospitals with moderate success. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the PACS challenges endured by PACS vendors during implementation in the South African public healthcare sector. METHODS: This was achieved by engaging in a methodological approach that was qualitative in nature collecting data through semi structured interviews from 10 PACS experts/participants which were later analysed qualitatively. RESULTS: The findings show that PACS vendors have countless challenges, some of which include space, insufficient infrastructure, image storage capacity, system maturity and vendor related concerns. It was clear that the PACS experts readily offered contextually appropriate descriptions of their encounters during PACS implementations in South African public healthcare institutions. CONCLUSIONS: PACS vendors anticipate these challenges when facing a public healthcare institution and it is recommended that the hospital management and potential PACS stakeholders be made aware of these challenges to mitigate their effects and aid in a successful implementation.

Structured Reporting versus Free-Text Reporting for Appendiceal Computed Tomography in Adolescents and Young Adults: Preference Survey of 594 Referring Physicians, Surgeons, and Radiologists from 20 Hospitals

OBJECTIVE: To survey care providers' preference between structured reporting (SR) and free-text reporting (FTR) for appendiceal computed tomography (CT) in adolescents and young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethical committee approved this prospective study. The requirement for participant consent was waived. We distributed the Likert scale-based SR form delivering the likelihood of appendicitis across 20 hospitals through a large clinical trial. In the final phase of the trial, we invited 706 potential care providers to participate in an online survey. The survey questions included usefulness in patient management, communicating the likelihood of appendicitis, convenience, style and format, and overall preference. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the overall preference. Three months after the completion of the trial, we checked if the use of the SR was sustained. RESULTS: Responses were analyzed from 594 participants (175 attendings and 419 trainees; 225 radiologists, 207 emergency physicians, and 162 surgeons). For each question, 47.3–64.8% of the participants preferred SR, 13.1–32.7% preferred FTR, and the remaining had no preference. The overall preference varied considerably across the hospitals, but slightly across the departments or job positions. The overall preference for SR over FTR was significantly associated with attendings, SR experience for appendiceal CT, hospitals with small appendectomy volume, and hospitals enrolling more patients in the trial. Five hospitals continued using the SR in usual care after the trial. CONCLUSION: Overall, the care providers preferred SR to FTR. Further investigation into the sustained use of the SR is needed.

Características de la imagen con 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. Biodistribución normal y anormal / Image features with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. Normal and abnormal biodistribution

Un sistema de PET/CT integrado o multimodal es una combinación física de PET y CT que incluye adquisición secuencial de porciones de PET y CT. El paciente permanece en la misma posición durante los dos exámenes. Un examen 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT puede cubrir diversos rangos de imágenes coaxiales1. PSMA es una proteína transmembrana presente principalmente en todos los tejidos prostáticos. Este articulo tiene como objetivo ayudar a los médicos imagenólogos para clínicos, a reconocer las imágenes de 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT mostrar características propias y ofrecer conocimientos generales de su interpretación en el área de diagnósticos dirigido al cáncer de próstata.

Anesthesia research in the artificial intelligence era

A noteworthy change in recent medical research is the rapid increase of research using big data obtained from electrical medical records (EMR), order communication systems (OCS), and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). It is often difficult to apply traditional statistical techniques to research using big data because of the vastness of the data and complexity of the relationships. Therefore, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques which can handle such problems is becoming popular. Classical machine learning techniques, such as k-means clustering, support vector machine, and decision tree are still efficient and useful for some research problems. The deep learning techniques, such as multi-layer perceptron, convolutional neural network, and recurrent neural network have been spotlighted by the success of deep belief networks and convolutional neural networks in solving various problems that are difficult to solve by conventional methods. The results of recent research using artificial intelligence techniques are comparable to human experts. This article introduces technologies that help researchers conduct medical research and understand previous literature in the era of AI.

The need for DICOM encapsulation of 3D scanning STL data

No abstract available.

Utilidad del score PI-RADS 2 en la práctica clínica ¿Se justifica el estudio histológico? / PI-RADS 2 Score utility in clinical practice ¿Is histologic asses justified?

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de estudios histológicos y si estos se justifican en pacientes categorizados como PI-RADS 2. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en el PACS de nuestra institución de todos los informes de RM de próstata que incluyeran categoría "PI-RADS 2" entre enero del 2015 y junio del 2017, identificando 1287 informes. Resultados: De los 1287 informes PI-RADS 2, 646 pacientes fueron controlados posterior a la RM en nuestra institución. De ellos, 91 (14,08%) tuvieron un estudio histológico. Se encontraron 10 casos (10,98%) de cáncer prostático (6 con score de Gleason 6, y 4 score de Gleason 7). Conclusión: En nuestro estudio la RM score PI-RADS 2 descartó correctamente neoplasia clínicamente significativa en el 95,6% de los casos. Dar a conocer esta información podría tener un impacto en la conducta del tratante, disminuyendo el número de biopsias prostáticas.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the results of histological studies and if these are justified in patients categorized as PI-RADS 2. Materials and methods: A search was made in the PACS of our institution of all prostate MRI reports that included category "PI-RADS 2" between January 2015 and June 2017, identifying 1287 reports. Results: Of the 1287 PI-RADS 2 reports, 646 patients were monitored after the MRI in our institution. Of these, 91 (14.08%) had an histological study. We found 10 cases (10.98%) of prostate cancer (6 with Gleason score 6, and 4 Gleason score 7). Conclusion: In our study, the MR PI-RADS 2 score correctly ruled out clinically significant neoplasia in 95.6% of cases. Making this information known could have an impact on the doctor's course of action, decreasing the number of prostate biopsies.

Error en el informe radiológico: la paradoja del elefante en la habitación y otros tropiezos / Error in the radiological report: the paradox of the elephant in the room and other mistakes

The expression "there is an elephant in the room" refers to an obvious problem that goes unnoticed. Often we wonder how it was possible that we have not reported a major lesion ("the size of an elephant") in the report that comes into our hands for review. Unlike clinical findings such as the anamnesis and the physical examination, evidence from the radiological examination remains available for subsequent reviews. The error and its consequences are a phenomenon that vertically and horizontally traverse all the medical specialties and those who perform within them. Radiologists are not exempt from this. During each stage of the reporting process, the radiologist may make mistakes. In this article we will concentrate on those errors in which the radiologist participates directly, with graphical representations that illustrate the nature of the error in each case. We will review the phases of the imaging diagnosis and the different types of errors such as Perceptual Errors (error by under-reading, search satisfaction errors, and error due to alterations outside the study area), Cognitive errors (complacency error, error of reasoning, alliterative error, error due to lack of knowledge, error due to lack of clinical records and error due to lack of consultation of previous examinations), Communication error and study type error. Because we cannot completely eliminate the diagnostic errors in our daily practice, we cannot guarantee the outcome; but we can demonstrate that we have done our best, with duly justified technical quality examinations, in the adequate time and with the necessary security.

La expresión "hay un elefante en la habitación", se refiere a que existe un problema obvio que pasa inadvertido. Muchas veces nos preguntamos cómo fue posible que no hayamos reportado una gran lesión ("del tamaño de un elefante") en el informe que llega a nuestras manos para revisión. A diferencia de los hallazgos clínicos como la anamnesis y el examen físico, la evidencia del examen radiológico permanece disponible para revisiones subsecuentes. El error y sus consecuencias son un fenómeno que cruza vertical y horizontalmente todas las especialidades médicas y a quienes en ellas se desempeñan. Los radiólogos no estamos exentos de ello. Durante cada etapa del proceso de informe, el médico radiólogo puede cometer errores. En este artículo nos concentraremos en aquellos errores en los que el radiólogo participa directamente, con representaciones gráficas que ilustran la naturaleza del error en cada caso. Revisaremos las fases del diagnóstico por imágenes y los diferentes tipos de errores como los Errores de percepción (error por sub-lectura, error por satisfacción de la búsqueda y error debido a alteraciones fuera del área de estudio), Errores cognitivos (error de complacencia, error de razonamiento, error aliterativo, error por falta de conocimientos, error por falta de antecedentes clínicos y error por falta de consulta de exámenes previos), Error de comunicación y Error de tipo de estudio. Debido a que no podemos eliminar completamente los errores diagnósticos en nuestra práctica diaria, no podemos garantizar el resultado; pero podemos demostrar que hicimos lo mejor posible, con exámenes de calidad técnica, debidamente justificados, en el tiempo adecuado y con la seguridad necesaria.

Una solución pacs cubana bajo software libre que sirve de plataforma a especializaciones médicas / A Cuban pacs solutions under free software as a framework for medical specializations

En nuestro país se lucha por la soberanía tecnológica y se impulsa la utilización del software libre. Por esto y con un mejor diseño de las soluciones implementadas por el Centro de Biofísica Médica, el imagis 2.0, como paquete de soluciones de un sistema de almacenamiento y transmisión de imágenes médicas, fue desarrollado bajo la plataforma Linux, haciendo uso de herramientas libres, convirtiéndolo en un sistema más eficiente, estable y robusto. Con este trabajo pretendemos primero realizar un breve recorrido por la historia de los sistemas de almacenamiento y transmisión de imágenes médicas en nuestro país, para luego adentrarnos en una solución implementada bajo plataforma libre que sirve de base a la implementación para especializaciones médicas, exponiendo su uso en los procesos radioterapéuticos(AU)

In our country we fight for technological sovereignty and the use of free software is promoted. For this and with better design solutions implemented by the Center of Medical Biophysics, the imagis 2.0, as a package of solutions of storage and transmission of medical images systems, was developed under the Linux platform, using free tools, making it more efficient, stable and robust. In this paper we first present a brief review of storage and transmission of medical images history in our country, for then get into a deployed under open platform solution that can be using as framework for the implementation for medical specializations, exposing it use in radiotherapeutic procedures(AU)