Computer-assisted mammographic imaging

Abstract

Computer-assisted mammography imaging comprises computer-based analysis of digitized images resulting in prompts aiding mammographic interpretation and computerized stereotactic localization devices which improve location accuracy. The commercial prompting systems available are designed to draw attention to mammographic abnormalities detected by algorithms based on symptomatic practise in North America. High sensitivity rates are important commercially but result in increased false prompt rates, which are known to distract radiologists. A national shortage of breast radiologists in the UK necessitates evaluation of such systems in a population breast screening programme to determine effectiveness in increasing cancer detection and feasibility of implementation.

Screening for breast cancer

“…Furthermore, although algorithms are present for certain abnormalities such as microcalcifications, prompts have not yet been developed for all types of abnormality, so that the system is unable to confirm an unequivocally normal mammogram. 23 Although some publications demonstrate that prompting can improve an individual radiologist's performance, there are as yet no data to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement when CAD is used within a screening programme. 24,25 Conclusion Screening for breast cancer is now well established in many Western countries and is generally accepted as being effective in reducing mortality from breast cancer in the over 50s age group.…”

Integrating Human Factors in the Design of Safety Critical Systems

“…This obviously increases workload. Another solution that is being explored is the use of computer-based image analysis techniques to enable a single radiologist to achieve performance that is equivalent or similar to that achieved by double readings (Williams et al 1998, Boggis et al 2000. Computer-aided detection systems can provide radiologists with a useful 'second opinion' (Zheng et al 2002).…”