RSNA 2006 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2006


SSJ01-04

Satellite Transmission of Digital Screening Mammograms from American Indian Reservations to an Academic Medical Center: Initial Results

Scientific Papers

Presented on November 28, 2006
Presented as part of SSJ01: Breast Imaging (Mammography)

Participants

Marilyn A. Roubidoux MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Tina Russell, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Jackie Quisno MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Mark Alan Helvie MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Sarah Dye MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Steven Glenn Haugen MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Mitchell M. Goodsitt PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Anthony Stayner, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Willeen Druley, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

In order to determine feasibility of providing real time screening mammography interpretations to American Indian women on rural reservations, satellite transmission of images to an academic medical center was implemented. Quality of transmitted images and report turnaround times were measured.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A mobile unit of the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service was equipped with a GE Senograph 2000D to transmit digital mammograms by commercial satellite service, and initially located in Fort Yates, N.D. Screening mammograms transmitted to a GE SenoAdvantage 2.0 workstation at the University of Michigan Breast Imaging division were interpreted and reported in real time. Report turnaround time was tracked,consisting of image transmission, faxing of clinical history sheet, radiologist interpretation, paper report generation and faxing report back to the unit. Fax/telephone service to the unit was by satellite, without other means of communication. Breast phantom images were transmitted for QA. Radiologists were asked to rate image quality as compared to our workstation for local patients.

RESULTS

In the first four weeks, 177 patient screening exams were performed. Mean report turnaround time=39.3 minutes(5-245 minutes). 83% of all reports and 94% of last week’s reports were received in <60 minutes of image transmission. Transmission times improved from 2 minutes to 45 seconds per image. Delayed reports were usually due to fax delays, but improvements occurred. Breast phantom appearance on the monitors was within ACR limits. Radiologists rated image quality as equivalent to the locally performed digital images. A film digitizer will be implemented this month to enable immediate transmission of prior comparison film mammograms.

CONCLUSION

Despite the large mammogram image file size, image transmission time was reasonable, and images were not compromised by satellite transmission. Report turnaround times can be short with on-line interpretation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

Satellite transmission of digital mammograms with on-line reading could enable immediate additional imaging, which would increase compliance with call backs for additional imaging in rural areas

Cite This Abstract

Roubidoux, M, Russell, T, Quisno, J, Helvie, M, Dye, S, Haugen, S, Goodsitt, M, Stayner, A, Druley, W, et al, , Satellite Transmission of Digital Screening Mammograms from American Indian Reservations to an Academic Medical Center: Initial Results.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4438804.html