Sinchai Tsao MS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jorge Documet, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paymann Moin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kevin Wang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Brent Julius Liu PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

RadSearch illustrates a development of a data mining tool built using open source components such as CPT-4, RadLex, mySQL and PHP that allows research institution to maximally utilize and data mine existing clinical data for knowledge discovery and scientific research.

Radiology Information Systems (RIS) hold text reports that contain a wealth of information that can be used for research, education, and practice management. However, there are currently very few tools available that query specific data from these reports from an existing RIS database and also allow for query/retrieval of relevant image studies from the Picture Archival and Communications System (PACS). This project aims to create a software tool that integrates a Radiology text report query tool with PACS’ abilities to view and move images within the clinical workplace. RadSearch allows users to seamlessly data mine the radiology reports whilst previewing and moving related medical images.

As a means of evaluation, RadSearch is integrated into University of Southern California’s Health Consultation Center’s Two’s PACS and RIS system to allow clinical user feedback on the tool. Two versions of the tool is available, one that uses only mysql database’s built in full text searching tool and another hybrid version that searches based on all related terms defined within the RadLex lexicon. Feedback is presented in the form of suggestions in improving ease of use as well as requests for future features.

RadSearch relates data fields in the RIS such as Current Procedure Terminology 4 (CPT-4) codes and the Radiology Report text back to the PACS study. This allows RadSearch to implement the new paradigm of performing retrospective studies or generating teaching files by leveraging existing data within the clinical practice. This project will also discuss the utility of the different strategies in integrating RadLex as well as CPT-4 codes as a means to provide synonymity and structure into the searching algorithm. The potential problems and pitfalls in adoption as well as implementation of such a system will also be discussed.

Tsao, S, Documet, J, Moin, P, Wang, K, Liu, B, RadSearch: A RIS/PACS Integrated Retrospective Medical Image Retrieval Tool.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6008651.html