title: Integrating CAD modules in a PACS environment using a wide computing infrastructure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this paper is to describe a project designed to achieve a total integration of different CAD algorithms into the PACS environment by using a wide computing infrastructure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The aim is to build a system for the entire region of Galicia, Spain, to make CAD accessible to multiple hospitals by employing different PACSs and clinical workstations. The new CAD model seeks to connect different devices (CAD systems, acquisition modalities, workstations and PACS) by means of networking based on a platform that will offer different CAD services. This paper describes some aspects related to the health services of the region where the project was developed, CAD algorithms that were either employed or selected for inclusion in the project, and several technical aspects and results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have built a standard-based platform with which users can request a CAD service and receive the results in their local PACS. The process runs through a web interface that allows sending data to the different CAD services. A DICOM SR object is received with the results of the algorithms stored inside the original study in the proper folder with the original images.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a result, a homogeneous service to the different hospitals of the region will be offered. End users will benefit from a homogeneous workflow and a standardised integration model to request and obtain results from CAD systems in any modality, not dependant on commercial integration models. This new solution will foster the deployment of these technologies in the entire region of Galicia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, CHUS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Jorge J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Suárez-Cuenca
authors.affiliation: Bio-medical Research Institute of Vigo, CHUVI, Vigo, Spain.
authors.forename: Amara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tilve
authors.affiliation: Galician Health Service (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: López
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, CHUS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Gonzalo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferro
authors.affiliation: Galician Health Service (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quiles
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, CHUS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. miguel.souto@usc.es.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Souto
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D057188:Workflow
keywords: CAD platform; CAD-PACS integration; Computer-aided-diagnosis (CAD); DICOM structured reporting (SR); Lung cancer