Use of 3D imaging in CT of the acute trauma patient: impact of a PACS-based software package.
To evaluate the impact of a picture archiving and communication systems (PACS)-based software package on the requests for 3D reconstructions of multidetector CT (MDCT) data sets in the emergency radiology of a level 1 trauma center, we reviewed the number and type of physician requests for 3D reconstructions of MDCT data sets for patients admitted after sustaining multiple trauma, during a 12-month period (January 2003-December 2003). During the first 5 months of the study, 3D reconstructions were performed in dedicated workstations located separately from the emergency radiology CT interpretation area. During the last 7 months of the study, reconstructions were performed online by the attending radiologist or resident on duty, using a software package directly incorporated into the PACS workstations. The mean monthly number of 3D reconstructions requested during the two time periods was compared using Student's t test. The monthly mean +/- SD of 3D reconstructions performed before and after 3D software incorporation into the PACS was 34+/-7 (95% CI, 10-58) and 132+/-31 (95% CI, 111-153), respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). In the multiple trauma patient, implementation of PACS-integrated software increases utilization of 3D reconstructions of MDCT data sets.
Soto
Jorge A
JA
Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. Jorge.Soto@bmc.org
Lucey
Brain C
BC
Stuhlfaut
Joshua W
JW
Varghese
Jose C
JC
D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*