Comparison of thoracic radiographs with images transmitted via advanced telecommunications equipment.
OBJECTIVE
To compare thoracic radiographs of clinically normal dogs and dogs with mild clinical heartworm disease with images transmitted by a desk-top, two-way audiovisual teleconferencing system.


METHODS
Prospective, matched-set study.


METHODS
50 thoracic radiographs from clinically normal and heartworm-infected dogs and the digitally transmitted images of those radiographs.


METHODS
Thoracic radiographs from 25 clinically normal dogs and 25 dogs infected with 1 to 24 heartworms were evaluated by 3 clinicians. Using classic criteria for heartworm disease, evaluations of radiographs and images transmitted digitally over 2 high-speed data-transfer telephone lines (56 kilobits/s/line) were performed. Clinicians were asked to determine whether dogs had radiographic signs of heartworm disease.


RESULTS
Clinicians' ability to detect heartworm disease did not differ between interpretations of radiographs and those of transmitted images.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiographic images transmitted via a teleconference system can be used to provide reliable diagnostic information. Thoracic radiographs can be interpreted at a remote site permitting rapid consultation and immediate advice on clinical management.
Rawlings
C A
CA
Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-7390, USA.
Roberts
R
R
Jacobs
G
G
McCall
J
J
Brown
J
J
Burrow
M
M
D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003253:Consultants; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000592:standards*