Real-Time Full-Field Direct Telemammography
Abstract
This research investigates an important application of full-field direct digital mammography (FFDDM): telemammography, the electronic transfer of digital mammography images to remote viewing sites. This should permit radiologists with great interpretive expertise to manage and read in real time all mammography examinations in a multiple-site practice, an approach superior to either deferred interpretation by expert readers or real-time interpretation by general radiologists. During Year 2 of this project, we acquired a large data set of FFDDM cases and demonstrated that remote interpretation of these images by expert mammographers is as effective (slightly better, but difference not statistically significant) as conventional film interpretation by general diagnostic radiologists. By showing that telemammography technology can be developed for routine clinical operation, and that real-time off-site management and interpretation of a general-radiologist mammography practice by mammography specialists is feasible as standard operating procedure, we expect to establish telemammography applications of digital radiography as both valid and useful. The application of these procedures to routine mammographic examinations should bring to bear the expertise of mammography specialists at the community-practice general-radiologist level. This should benefit all women undergoing mammography in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA359271
Entities
People
- Edward A. Sickles
Organizations
- University of California, San Francisco