Jurate Dementaviciene, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Peeter Ross, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gabriel Bartal MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Recent entrance of Lithuania into the European Union and installation of digital imaging equipment (Multidetector CT, MR, Angio, R&F), requires compliance with the EU regulations regarding medical image archiving using large volumes of digital storage. Our aim was to evaluate the present situation in Lithuanian radiology and propose appropriate PACS solutions.

In 2004 over 100 radiology departments and 126 out-patient diagnostic clinics using 159 analog R&F systems (13 digital upgrades), 234 screen-film x-ray systems, 9 angiography systems, 14 mammographs, 25 CT and 4 MR. 1 RIS and 2 HIS installations. Over 3,000,000 diagnostic examinations (without Ultrasound) are performed annually, including 210,000 (7%) CT studies. Many digital examinations are deleted following reporting and only representative images are printed on laser film.

Expected huge volume of digital images in the perspective of digital transformation including CR and DR requires cost-effective WEB based PACS installations using preferably a similar viewer. Portable digital storage based on self-playing CD/DVD recording will allow outsourcing and additional back-up. Small imaging centers will implement local RAID based PACS systems connected via WEB to the regional RAID based storage. Wide bandwidth, secure, high speed lines will be installed allowing interhospital data flow and central nation-wide cost-effective storage.

The combination of PACS and WEB connection between imaging centers and hospitals, supported by portable digital storage (CD/DVD), will eliminate film in Lithuania. Each hospital will have PACS with immediate access to images. Regional sites connected to the central site will provide a comprehensive solution and act as archive and fast backup in case of data loss. Out-patients will receive a self playing CD containing their examinations for referring physicians.

Dementaviciene, J, Ross, P, Bartal, G, Lithuanian Radiology Going Filmless (Design and Implementation of Future PACS).  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4419644.html