Yukinori Hasegawa, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Yasushi Matsumura MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Naoki Mihara MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yoichi Kawakami, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kosuke Sasai PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hiroshi Takeda MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hironobu Nakamura MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Interpretation reports of x-rays are typically made in narrative form; this is a barrier to the implementation of advanced applications for data analysis or a decision support. We have developed a structured reporting system (term selection method) for chest x-ray radiography.  

Initially, we analyzed terms and sentences used in x-ray reports. We then determined the fundamental sentence structure of findings as compositions of procedure, region, finding, and diagnosis. The fundamental terms were modified by prefixes or suffixes. We categorized the observation objects into lung, mediastinum, bone, soft tissue, and pleura and chest wall. The terms of region, finding, and diagnosis were associated with each other. We expressed the terms and the relations between the terms using a resource description framework (RDF) and generated a reporting system based on the RDF. The system shows a list of terms in each category, and modifiers can be entered using templates that are linked to each term. This system guides users to select terms by highlighting associated terms.  

Fifty chest x-rays with abnormal findings were interpreted by five radiologists and reports were made either by the system or by the free text method. The system decreased the time needed to make a report by 12.5% compared with the free text method, and the sentences generated by the system were concordant with those made by free text, especially by radiologists without significant experience in chest x-ray radiography.  

This system may be useful for reporting of chest x-rays.  

By using this method, structured reporting can be realized, thus the report data can be easily analyzed and used for decision support.

Hasegawa, Y, Matsumura, Y, Mihara, N, Kawakami, Y, Sasai, K, Takeda, H, Nakamura, H, et al, , Development of a Feasible Structured Reporting System for Chest X-ray Radiography.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6015570.html