Nam C. Yu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jung Wook Choi, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Craig A. Morioka PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David Shin-Kuo Lu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Steven Satish Raman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alex Anh-Tuan Bui, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Young Chul Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate a GUI-based interface utilizing an XML-based data gateway as an access point for HIS/RIS/PACS data, with DICOM summarization of key image findings, to facilitate a “gestalt view” of HCC patients undergoing therapy.

120 patients with HCC, post-radiofrequency ablation with/without other therapeutic modalities, formed the study population. Each patient, post-ablation, typically receives CT/MR scans at regular intervals to evaluate efficacy. The studies are stored in a PACS, with other medical records stored in a HIS/RIS. An XML data portal provides an information retrieval method across the database environment. Software to select key image studies, storing DICOM presentation states to document patient progress, was implemented. Finally, a web-based GUI, TimeLine, was developed to facilitate a “gestalt view” of the patient’s progressive medical history . 3 physicians, 2 house staff and 1 senior faculty reviewed patient data under status quo and TimeLine interfaces and were asked questions regarding clinical history, images, procedures, and complications for patients randomly selected for the status quo environment, and using TimeLine. Time to complete tasks and accuracy of results, based on consensus review by two physicians, were evaluated.

By accessing patient data from a single interface, physicians were able to readily select the most representative images and summarize patient findings towards synthesizing a gestalt view from complex clinical scenarios. The TimeLine interface allowed for rapid review of all relevant information, with a high level of satisfaction. Specifically, the TimeLine environment significantly improved the time for evaluation of HCC patients undergoing multimodality therapy, and will most likely be applicable to patients with any complex chronic illness. No significant differences in the accuracy of reported results were found between the two methods.

Unifying access to heterogeneous data sources and creating a gestalt view of HCC patients, through TimeLine, significantly improves the time required for reviewing patient history, while maintaining similar levels of accuracy compared to traditional methods.

Yu, N, Choi, J, Morioka, C, Lu, D, Raman, S, Bui, A, Kim, Y, et al, , Hepatocellular Carcinoma TimeLine: A Visualization Paradigm for Following Minimally Invasive Therapy.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4411723.html