The accuracy
of decision making and interpretation of breast ultrasound can
be significantly improved by following implementation of a
structured method for breast lesion description and
interpretation through application of a computer-aided imaging
system based on BI-RADS lexicon guidelines. The system also
provides a computerized assessment of lesion in question (also
known as Level of Suspicion (LOS) for cancer) using
these same guidelines. Our approach applies a database of
verified known findings to which an unknown may be compared and
evaluated. Storage and retrieval of these images is accomplished
through identification of key information content of the breast
masses themselves (case-based reasoning). We suggest that
lesions of lower suspicion level such as intra-cystic masse
(complex cysts) and fibroadenoma may be ruled out as candidates for biopsy with
higher degree of confidence when image interpretation is made
with support of this computer-aided imaging system.
Almen
Laboratories has developed a computer-aided tool for breast
ultrasound image analysis that operates with the physician in
the loop. The system compares a breast mass in question to a
database of patient lesion images with verified known findings,
displays those most similar to it and then computes CAD
assessment of the lesion in question following the American
College of Radiologists and FDA approved BI-RADS Lexicon,
Classification and method. The computed assessment
is based on confirmed findings of the retrieved
similar cases. Our approach
has considerable appeal and may be more readily acceptable to
radiologists because it does clearly show which factors have led
to the recommendation or classification. This allows the
radiologist the option to consider the findings with higher
confidence and to apply her/his own threshold for a decision. In
the future, development of the proposed system may advance the
application into the diagnostic area, for detection of
suspicious masses, for more accurate disease diagnosis following
interpretive guidelines and a validated clinical database, even
to other imaging problems.
breastscore.com implemented
this ASP .NET web version of the developed Breast Ultrasound CAD
tool set for non-diagnostic investigational
and in-depth research purposes. The goal of this Internet
deployment is to evaluate the tool, receive feedbacks from
the professional users and encourage them to use the tool
through our subscription service or through
outsourcing their cases in question to our
computerized scoring. The use of the deployed Breast CAD is
strictly subject to Disclaimer that specifically instruct on
limitations and non-diagnostic intentions of use. In order to start using the
on-line Breast Ultrasound CAD you have to confirm that you agree with all
provisions and clause of the
Disclaimer, then choose
the services you would like to use and proceed to
the appropriate pages of this ASP .NET CAD tools.
