Real-Time Full-Field Direct Digital 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. We have completed the acquisition of 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 (data analysis still in progress), we expect to establish telemammography applications of digital radiography as both valid and useful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA383353
Entities
People
- Edward A. Sickles
Organizations
- University of California, San Francisco