JP2014076137A - Medical image diagnostic device and image processing management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve inspection efficiency.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic device of an embodiment includes a storage part, an input part, an acquisition part, and a determination part. The storage part stores correspondence information obtained by associating devices having a function that can execute post processing in each kind of post processing to a medical image. The input part receives the registration of an imaging plan from an operator before starting inspection including a plurality of inspection items. The acquisition part acquires post processing information obtained by associating inspection items requiring post processing to the medical image with the kind of the post processing with reference to the imaging plan. The determination part determines a device in which post processing of the medical image picked up in an inspection item included in the post processing information with reference to the association information.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an image processing management apparatus.

  Imaging by a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus or an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus is performed according to preset imaging conditions. For example, when imaging is planned, an operator of the medical image diagnostic apparatus edits the imaging condition while viewing a screen for editing the imaging condition displayed on the display unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus. The edited imaging condition is set in the medical image diagnostic apparatus as an imaging plan, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus executes imaging according to the set imaging plan.

  In the medical image diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of examination items are performed in one examination order, and medical images with different imaging conditions are taken for each examination item. Here, the inspection order includes an inspection item that requires post-processing on a medical image after imaging. In the above imaging plan, post-processing information is set together with imaging conditions as information on the inspection item.

  Here, conventionally, in order to improve the examination efficiency, the medical image diagnostic apparatus transmits the taken medical image to a server, a workstation, or the like when the imaging is completed for an examination item that requires post-processing, and performs post-processing. I'm asking. However, conventionally, since post-processing is collectively requested to a specific apparatus, the inspection efficiency may be lowered.

JP 2006-255189 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an image processing management apparatus that can improve examination efficiency.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage unit, an input unit, an acquisition unit, and a determination unit. The storage unit stores correspondence information in which a device having a function capable of executing the post-processing is associated with each type of post-processing for the medical image. The input unit accepts registration of an imaging plan from an operator before the start of an inspection including a plurality of inspection items. The acquisition unit refers to the imaging plan and acquires post-processing information in which an examination item that requires post-processing on a medical image is associated with the type of the post-processing. The determining unit refers to the correspondence information, and determines a device that requests post-processing of a medical image captured by an examination item included in the post-processing information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image diagnostic system in which the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment is installed. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of an imaging plan. FIG. 4B is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the imaging plan. FIG. 4C is a diagram (3) illustrating an example of the imaging plan. FIG. 4D is a diagram (4) illustrating an example of an imaging plan. FIG. 4E is a diagram (5) illustrating an example of the imaging plan. FIG. 4F is a diagram (6) illustrating an example of the imaging plan. FIG. 4G is a diagram (7) illustrating an example of an imaging plan. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the determination unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data generated by post-processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a post-processing request process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of display control processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a determination unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a post-processing request destination change process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus will be described as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus. Hereinafter, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is referred to as an “MRI apparatus”.

(First embodiment)
First, a configuration example of a medical image diagnostic system in which the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment is installed will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image diagnostic system in which the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment is installed.

  The medical image diagnostic system shown in FIG. 1 includes an MRI apparatus 100, an image storage apparatus 200, and a plurality of workstations. In the medical image diagnostic system shown in FIG. 1, as an example, three workstations (a first workstation 301, a second workstation 302, and a third workstation 303) are installed. Each apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is in a state where it can communicate with each other directly or indirectly via, for example, a hospital LAN (Local Area Network) 400 installed in the hospital. For example, when a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is introduced in a medical image diagnostic system, each device transmits and receives medical images and the like according to DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards.

  The MRI apparatus 100 uses a MR signal acquired by changing a phase encoding gradient magnetic field, a slice selection gradient magnetic field, and a frequency encoding gradient magnetic field, and MRI image data of an arbitrary cross section or an MRI image of an arbitrary plurality of cross sections. Reconstruct data (volume data). The MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail later.

  The image storage device 200 is a database that stores medical images. Specifically, the image storage apparatus 200 stores and stores the medical image transmitted from the medical image diagnostic apparatus such as the MRI apparatus 100 in the storage unit of the own apparatus. The medical image stored in the image storage device 200 is stored in association with incidental information such as a device ID, patient ID, examination ID, and series ID, for example.

  The first workstation 301, the second workstation 302, and the third workstation 303 are, for example, workstations used for interpretation of medical images by doctors and laboratory technicians working in a hospital. The first workstation 301, the second workstation 302, and the third workstation 303 display high-performance personal computers (PCs) having a function of performing various image processing on medical images in addition to displaying medical images for interpretation. ) Etc.

  Note that the application of the medical image diagnostic system described above is not limited when PACS is introduced. For example, the medical image diagnostic system is similarly applied when an electronic medical chart system for managing an electronic medical chart to which a medical image is attached is introduced. In this case, the image storage device 200 is a database that stores electronic medical records. Further, for example, the medical image diagnostic system is similarly applied when a hospital information system (HIS) and a radiology information system (RIS) are introduced.

  Further, the medical image diagnostic system is not limited to the configuration example described above. For example, in the medical image diagnostic system shown in FIG. 1, one MRI apparatus is installed as a medical image diagnostic apparatus, but this embodiment is applicable even when a plurality of MRI apparatuses are installed. Is possible. Further, the present embodiment is applicable even when one or more medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are installed. is there. In the present embodiment, the number of workstations installed may be an arbitrary number.

  Next, the MRI apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the MRI apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power supply 3, a bed 4, a bed control unit 5, a transmission coil 6, and a transmission unit 7. , Receiving coil 8, receiving unit 9, sequence control unit 10, and console 20.

  The static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and generates a uniform static magnetic field in an internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 1 is, for example, a permanent magnet or a superconducting magnet. The gradient coil 2 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and generates a gradient magnetic field in the internal space. Specifically, the gradient magnetic field coil 2 is arranged inside the static magnetic field magnet 1 and receives a current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 to generate a gradient magnetic field. The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2 in accordance with the pulse sequence execution data sent from the sequence control unit 10.

  The bed 4 includes a top plate 4a on which the subject P is placed, and the top plate 4a is inserted into the cavity (imaging port) of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 with the subject P placed thereon. Usually, the bed 4 is installed such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The couch controller 5 drives the couch 4 to move the couchtop 4a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

  The transmission coil 6 generates an RF magnetic field. Specifically, the transmission coil 6 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and receives an RF pulse supplied from the transmission unit 7 to generate an RF magnetic field. The transmission unit 7 applies an RF pulse corresponding to the resonance frequency (Larmor frequency) to the transmission coil 6 in accordance with the pulse sequence execution data sent from the sequence control unit 10.

  The receiving coil 8 receives MR signals. Specifically, the receiving coil 8 is disposed inside the gradient coil 2 and receives an MR signal radiated from the subject P due to the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field. The receiving coil 8 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving unit 9. For example, the receiving coil 8 is a receiving coil for the head, a receiving coil for the spine, a receiving coil for the abdomen, or the like.

  The receiving unit 9 generates MR signal data based on the MR signal output from the receiving coil 8 in accordance with the pulse sequence execution data sent from the sequence control unit 10. Specifically, the receiving unit 9 generates MR signal data by digitally converting the MR signal output from the receiving coil 8. Then, the reception unit 9 transmits the generated MR signal data to the console 20 via the sequence control unit 10.

  The sequence control unit 10 controls the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission unit 7, and the reception unit 9. Specifically, the sequence control unit 10 transmits the pulse sequence execution data transmitted from the console 20 to the gradient magnetic field power source 3, the transmission unit 7, and the reception unit 9.

  The pulse sequence execution data here means the strength of the power supplied by the sequence control unit 10 to the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and the timing of supplying the power, the strength of the RF signal transmitted from the transmission unit 7 to the transmission coil 6, and the RF This is information defining a procedure for performing scanning, such as a signal transmission timing and a timing at which the receiving unit 9 detects an MR signal.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the console 20 includes an interface unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, an image reconstruction unit 24, an image processing unit 25, a storage unit 26, a control unit 27, And a communication unit 28.

  The interface unit 21 is connected to the sequence control unit 10 and controls input / output of data transmitted / received between the sequence control unit 10 and the console 20. For example, the interface unit 21 transmits pulse sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10 and receives MR signal data from the sequence control unit 10. Here, the MR signal data received by the interface unit 21 includes the slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 2, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and the readout gradient magnetic field Gr in the SE (Slice Encode) direction, It is stored in the storage unit 26 described later as k-space data in which spatial frequency information in the PE (Phase Encode) direction and the RO (Read Out) direction is associated.

  The input unit 22 receives various instructions and information input from the operator. As the input unit 22, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode change switch, or an input device such as a keyboard is used.

  The display unit 23 displays various images referred to by the operator and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator. As the display unit 23, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or a CRT monitor is used.

  For example, the operator of the MRI apparatus 100 edits the imaging conditions using the input unit 22 while looking at the editing screen displayed on the display unit 23. The imaging condition after editing is set as an imaging plan. The MRI apparatus 100 executes MRI image imaging according to the set imaging plan.

  The image reconstruction unit 24 generates MRI image data by performing reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on k-space data stored in the storage unit 26 described later.

  The image processing unit 25 performs various image processing units on the MRI image data generated by the image reconstruction unit 24. For example, the image processing unit 25 has a function of performing various rendering processes on the volume data. The rendering processing performed by the image processing unit 25 includes processing for generating an MPR image from volume data by performing a cross-section reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction). Further, as rendering processing performed by the image processing unit 25, a process of performing “Curved MPR (CPR)” that designates a curved surface with respect to the orthogonal coordinate system of the volume data and reconstructs a cross section on the curved surface. There is. The rendering processing performed by the image processing unit 25 includes volume rendering (VR) processing that generates a two-dimensional image (volume rendering image) reflecting three-dimensional information.

  The storage unit 26 stores k-space data received by the interface unit 21, image data generated by the image reconstruction unit 24 and the image processing unit 25, and the like. In addition, the storage unit 26 stores an imaging plan registered by the operator. For example, the storage unit 26 is a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

  The communication unit 28 is a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and performs communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 28 receives the MRI image data stored in the storage unit 26 under the control of the control unit 27 to be described later via the hospital LAN 400 and another device (for example, the first workstation 301) in the medical image diagnostic system. Etc.).

  The control unit 27 comprehensively controls the MRI apparatus 100 by controlling the above-described units. For example, the control unit 27 is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

  For example, the control unit 27 generates pulse sequence execution data based on the imaging plan registered by the operator via the input unit 22, and transmits the generated pulse sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10 to thereby generate the subject P. The imaging (scanning) is executed. The control unit 27 controls the reconstruction process performed by the image reconstruction unit 24 and the image process performed by the image processing unit 25. For example, the control unit 27 controls the bed control unit 5 via the interface unit 21 in accordance with an instruction input from the operator via the input unit 22. For example, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 23 to display various image data stored in the storage unit 26. For example, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 23 to display a screen for editing the imaging plan in response to an operator request.

  The overall configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment performs imaging of the subject P according to the imaging plan registered by the operator based on the examination order.

  Usually, in one inspection order, a plurality of inspection items (inspection series) are performed, and MRI images with different imaging conditions are captured for each inspection item. The inspection order includes inspection items that require post-processing on the MRI image after imaging. In the imaging plan described above, information regarding post-processing is set as information on the inspection item as well as imaging conditions.

  Here, for example, if all the post-processing set in the imaging plan is executed by the image processing unit 25 of the console 20, the inspection cannot be completed until the processing of the image processing unit 25 is completed. Therefore, in order to improve the inspection efficiency, a method is known in which when imaging is completed for an inspection item that requires post-processing, post-processing is collectively requested to a specific apparatus. In such a conventional method, the MRI apparatus 100 transmits an MRI image that requires post-processing to, for example, the image storage apparatus 200 or the first workstation 301 and requests post-processing. However, in such a conventional method, the operator of the MRI apparatus 100 may not be able to grasp the progress status of the post-processing, and may not be able to reliably grasp the completion of the inspection. For this reason, conventionally, it is often determined that the inspection is completed when an image is sent to a specific apparatus without confirming whether the post-processing is completed. For this reason, for example, if the post-processing result is incomplete, the conventional method requires re-inspection, which may deteriorate the inspection efficiency.

  Therefore, the control unit 27 according to the first embodiment performs the following processing in conjunction with the imaging plan received by the input unit 22 in order to improve inspection efficiency. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 27 according to the first embodiment includes an acquisition unit 27a, a determination unit 27b, and a display control unit 27c.

  First, the input unit 22 accepts registration of an imaging plan from an operator before the start of an inspection including a plurality of inspection items. Then, the acquisition unit 27 a acquires the imaging plan received by the input unit 22 from the storage unit 26.

  4A to 4G are diagrams illustrating an example of an imaging plan. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the operator registers six examination items (examination series) as an imaging plan of “patient ID: PATIENT 1, examination ID: 2.” In the example shown in FIG. 4, “series number: 1000, series name: T2”, “series number: 2000, series name: MRS”, “series number: 3000, series name: PWI”, “series number: 4000, series” It shows that six inspection series of “name: BOLD”, “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” and “series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac” are registered. Here, the detailed conditions of each inspection series of the imaging plan illustrated in FIG. 4A are registered in the hierarchical structure illustrated in FIGS. 4B to 4G. Hereinafter, each inspection series will be described.

  “Series number: 1000, series name: T2” illustrated in FIG. 4A is an inspection series in which a T2-weighted image is captured as an MRI image. FIG. 4B illustrates the imaging conditions of “series number: 1000, series name: T2”. In FIG. 4B, a pulse sequence, TR (Repetition Time), TE (Echo Time), and the like are registered as imaging conditions of “series number: 1000, series name: T2”. In FIG. 4B, it is registered that the T2-weighted image is captured by a pulse sequence based on the FSE (Fast Spin Echo) method.

  “Series number: 2000, series name: MRS” illustrated in FIG. 4A is an inspection series for performing MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy). FIG. 4C illustrates the imaging conditions of “series number: 2000, series name: MRS” and the contents of post-processing and analysis on the captured MRI image. In FIG. 4C, MRI images for spectrum analysis of “series number: 2000, series name: MRS” are performed in a pulse sequence based on the SE (Spin Echo) method. It is registered with.

  In FIG. 4C, it is registered that the type of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 2000, series name: MRS” is “MRS (spectrum analysis)”. Further, in FIG. 4C, as auxiliary information of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 2000, series name: MRS”, it is performed by a multi-voxel method for collecting spectra from a plurality of regions, or NAA (N-acetylasparatate ), Cr (Creatine / phosphocreatine), Cho (Choline), and the like are registered as spectrum observation targets.

  “Series number: 3000, series name: PWI” illustrated in FIG. 4A is an examination series for imaging a PWI (Perfusion Weighted Image). FIG. 4D illustrates the imaging conditions of “series number: 3000, series name: PWI” and the contents of post-processing and analysis on the captured MRI image. In FIG. 4D, the imaging of the MRI image used to perform “series number: 3000, series name: PWI” can be performed by a pulse sequence based on the ASL (Arterial Spin Labeling) method for imaging a contrast image without contrast. It is registered with various conditions such as TR and TE.

  In FIG. 4D, it is registered that the type of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 3000, series name: PWI” is “PWI (brain perfusion analysis)”. Further, in FIG. 4D, as auxiliary information of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 3000, series name: PWI”, perfusion analysis is performed by “Curve Fit method”, and measurement items are “CBF, CBV, "MTT" is registered.

  The “series number: 4000, series name: BOLD” illustrated in FIG. 4A is used to capture an fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image obtained by imaging a brain activation region using a BOLD (Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent) effect. This is an inspection series to be performed. FIG. 4E illustrates the imaging conditions of “series number: 4000, series name: BOLD” and the contents of post-processing and analysis for the captured MRI image. In FIG. 4E, imaging of an MRI image (T2 * weighted image) used to generate an fMRI image is performed with a pulse sequence based on an EPI (Echo Planner Imaging) method, along with various conditions such as TR and TE. .

  In FIG. 4E, it is registered that the type of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 4000, series name: BOLD” is “BOLD (fMRI)”. Further, in FIG. 4E, as auxiliary information for “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 4000, series name: BOLD”, after performing motion correction of the MRI image, statistical processing such as t-test is performed to obtain an fMRI image. Is registered to generate.

  The “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” illustrated in FIG. 4A is a diffusion tensor tractography (Diffusion Tensor Tractography) using an MRI image (diffusion weighted image) captured by diffusion weighted imaging. This is an inspection series to be performed. Specifically, in DTT, a tensor analysis is performed on a diffusion weighted image to generate a diffusion tensor image representing the direction of anisotropic diffusion of water molecules. In DTT, the maximum diffusion direction at an arbitrary pixel (voxel) included in the diffusion tensor image is further tracked, and a diffusion tensor tractography image in which the locus is depicted as a nerve bundle is generated. FIG. 4F illustrates the imaging conditions of “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” and the contents of post-processing and analysis on the captured MRI image. In FIG. 4F, MRI images (diffusion-weighted images) used to perform “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” are captured in a pulse sequence based on the EPI method, along with various conditions such as TR and TE. It is registered.

  In FIG. 4F, it is registered that the type of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” is “DTT (diffusion tensor tractography)”. Furthermore, in FIG. 4F, the generation of diffusion tensor images and DTT images is registered as auxiliary information of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 5000, series name: DTT”.

  “Series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac” illustrated in FIG. 4A is an examination series in which cardiac function analysis is performed using an MRI image taken by delayed contrast imaging. FIG. 4G illustrates the imaging conditions of “series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac” and the contents of post-processing and analysis on the captured MRI image. In FIG. 4G, it is registered together with various conditions such as TR and TE that an MRI image used to perform “series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac” is captured in a pulse sequence based on the FFE method.

  In FIG. 4G, it is registered that the type of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac” is “Cardiac (cardiac function analysis)”. Further, in FIG. 4G, ventricular volume is calculated by the Simpson method as auxiliary information of “post-processing / analysis” of “series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac”, and EF (Ejection Fraction) is used as an index of cardiac function. Is registered to calculate.

  Note that the imaging conditions illustrated in FIGS. 4B to 4G are imaging conditions for main imaging. Although not shown in the imaging plan illustrated in FIGS. 4B to 4G, an imaging condition for imaging a positioning image (imaging condition for preliminary imaging) used to determine the imaging condition for main imaging is also registered.

  When such an imaging plan is registered, the acquisition unit 27a illustrated in FIG. 3 refers to the imaging plan, the inspection items (examination series) that require post-processing on the medical image (MRI image), and the post-processing. Acquire post-processing information associated with a type. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition unit according to the first embodiment.

  For example, the acquisition unit 27a refers to the registration information of each inspection series illustrated in FIGS. 4B to 4G and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the five inspections having the series numbers “2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000”. Judge that the series is an inspection series that requires post-processing. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the acquisition unit 27a performs post-processing information indicating that each type of post-processing executed in conjunction with imaging in these examination series is “MRS, PWI, BOLD, DTT, Cardiac”. To get.

  And the memory | storage part 26 which concerns on 1st Embodiment has memorize | stored the correspondence information which matched the apparatus which has the function which can perform the said post-process for every kind of post-process with respect to a medical image. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the first workstation 301 is indicated by “WS1”, the second workstation 302 is indicated by “WS2”, the third workstation 303 is indicated by “WS3”, and the console 20 is indicated by “Con”. ing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 26 stores correspondence information indicating that devices capable of executing the type of post-processing regarding “DTT” are “WS1 and WS3”. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 26 stores correspondence information indicating that the device that can execute the type of post-processing related to “MRS” is “WS2”. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 26 stores correspondence information indicating that the device that can execute the type of post-processing related to “BOLD” is “WS1”. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the device that can execute the type of post-processing related to “Cardiac” stores correspondence information indicating that it is “WS1”. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 26 stores correspondence information indicating that devices capable of executing the type of post-processing related to “PWI” are “WS2 and WS3”. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 26 stores correspondence information indicating that the device that can execute the type of post-processing related to “CPR” is “Con”.

  Note that the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 is set in advance by the administrator of the medical image diagnostic system. Alternatively, the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 is acquired by the control unit 27 by collecting information on image processing applications installed in the image processing unit 25 or a workstation (image processing apparatus) installed in the medical image diagnostic system. May be set.

  Then, the determination unit 27b illustrated in FIG. 3 refers to the correspondence information, and determines an apparatus that requests post-processing of a medical image (MRI image) captured by an examination item (examination series) included in the post-processing information. . FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the determination unit according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination unit 27b refers to the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 and determines the request destination of “series number: 2000, series name: MRS” as “WS2”. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination unit 27 b refers to the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 and determines the request destination of “series number: 3000, series name: PWI” as “WS2”.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination unit 27 b refers to the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 and determines the request destination of “series number: 4000, series name: BOLD” as “WS1”. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination unit 27 b refers to the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 and determines the request destination of “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” as “WS1”. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination unit 27 b refers to the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 6 and determines the request destination of “series number: 6000, series name: Cardiac” as “WS1”.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the determination unit 27b determines that the request destination is “None” because “series number: 1000, series name: T2” is an inspection series that does not require post-processing. .

  Then, when the main imaging is completed in the examination series included in the post-processing information, the determination unit 27b controls the communication unit 28 to transmit the MRI image data reconstructed by the main imaging to the determined request destination. . Thereby, for example, the communication unit 28 transmits the MRI image captured with “series number: 5000, series name: DTT” to the first workstation 301. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data generated by post-processing.

  The first workstation 301 that has received the diffusion-weighted image data together with the post-processing type “DTT” performs a tensor analysis on the diffusion-weighted image data to generate diffusion tensor image data. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the first workstation 301 tracks the maximum diffusion direction in the diffusion tensor image data, and generates DTT image data in which the tracked trace is depicted as a nerve bundle.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the processing described below is performed. First, each device requested to perform post-processing notifies the communication unit 28 of a completion notification when the requested post-processing is completed. Each apparatus requested to perform post-processing transmits the result of post-processing (DTT image data, EF value, and the like) to the image storage apparatus 200 and the MRI apparatus 100.

  When the display control unit 27c shown in FIG. 3 receives a post-processing completion notification from the device for which post-processing is requested by the determination unit 27b, the inspection item corresponding to the post-processing executed by the device is completed. That is displayed on the display unit 23. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit according to the first embodiment.

  In the example of the screen illustrated in FIG. 9, a column displaying a mark indicating whether or not the main imaging has been completed is set in the column on the left side of the series number. In the example of the screen illustrated in FIG. 9, a column for displaying a mark indicating whether or not the post-processing is completed is set in the column on the left side of the display column for the main imaging completion mark. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the inspection series in which the main imaging and post-processing are not completed is indicated by white squares, and the inspection series in which the main imaging and post-processing is completed is indicated by black squares.

  The operator can grasp that the main imaging has been completed for all of the series numbers “1000 to 6000” by referring to the screen illustrated in FIG. 9. Further, by referring to the screen illustrated in FIG. 9, the operator has completed the post-processing for the inspection item with the series number “2000, 3000, 5000” and the inspection with the series number “4000, 6000”. In the item, it can be understood that the post-processing is incomplete. The operator can determine that the examination of “patient ID: PATIENT 1, examination ID: 2” has been completed when the post-processing completion mark is displayed for all series numbers. Then, the operator can promptly move to the next patient examination.

  Subsequently, a processing flow of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a post-processing request process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a display control process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the acquisition unit 27a according to the first embodiment determines whether an imaging plan has been registered via the input unit 22 (step S101). Here, when the imaging plan is not registered (No at Step S101), the acquisition unit 27a waits until the imaging plan is registered.

  On the other hand, when the imaging plan is registered (Yes in step S101), the acquisition unit 27a acquires post-processing information in which an examination series that requires post-processing on the MRI image and the type of the post-processing are associated ( Step S102). Then, the determination unit 27b refers to the correspondence information and determines a post-processing request destination for the MRI image captured by the examination series included in the post-processing information (step S103).

  Then, the determination unit 27b determines whether or not post-processing MRI image data is stored in the storage unit 26 (step S104). Here, when the MRI image data for post-processing is not stored (No at Step S104), the determination unit 27b waits until the MRI image data is stored.

  On the other hand, when the post-processing MRI image data is stored (Yes at step S104), the communication unit 28 controls the determining unit 27b to send the post-processing MRI image data to the apparatus determined as the request destination of the stored MRI image data. The MRI image data is transferred (step S105).

  Then, the determination unit 27b determines whether or not the request for all items (all inspection series) included in the post-processing information has been completed (step S106). If the request for all items has not been completed (No at Step S106), the determination unit 27b returns to Step S104 and determines whether or not new post-processing MRI image data has been stored.

  On the other hand, when the request for all items is completed (Yes in step S106), the determination unit 27b ends the post-processing request process.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the display control unit 27c according to the first embodiment determines whether a post-processing completion notification has been received from the requested device (step S201). If the completion notification is not received (No at Step S201), the display control unit 27c waits until the completion notification is received.

  On the other hand, when the completion notification is received (Yes at step S201), the display control unit 27c completes the corresponding inspection item (inspection series), that is, the inspection item corresponding to the post-processing requested to the apparatus that transmitted the completion notification. Information is displayed on the display unit 23 (step S202).

  Then, the display control unit 27c determines whether or not a completion notification for all items (all inspection series) included in the post-processing information has been received (step S203). If the completion notification for all items has not been received (No at Step S203), the display control unit 27c returns to Step S201 and determines whether a new completion notification has been received.

  On the other hand, when the completion notification of all items is received (Yes at Step S203), the display control unit 27c ends the display control process.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the MRI apparatus 100 holds information on the types of post-processing that can be executed by each apparatus installed in the medical image diagnostic system as correspondence information. Then, when the imaging plan is registered, the MRI apparatus 100 automatically extracts an inspection series to be post-processed in conjunction with scanning. Then, the MRI apparatus 100 refers to the correspondence information and determines a post-processing request destination. Thereby, in the first embodiment, regarding an inspection item that requires post-processing, it is possible to request an apparatus that can reliably perform the post-processing. As a result, in the first embodiment, inspection efficiency can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, when the MRI apparatus 100 receives a post-processing completion notification from the request-destination apparatus, the MRI apparatus 100 displays that the inspection item corresponding to the post-processing requested by the apparatus that has transmitted the completion notification has been completed. This is displayed on the unit 23. Thereby, in 1st Embodiment, an operator can grasp | ascertain reliably whether each post-processing was completed. As a result, the operator can quickly move to the next inspection, and the inspection efficiency can be further improved.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case where a device that requests post-processing is dynamically changed according to the processing load of the device that requests post-processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 27 according to the second embodiment further includes a collection unit 27d as compared with the control unit 27 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG.

  The collection unit 27d illustrated in FIG. 12 collects the processing load of the device included in the correspondence information. Then, the determination unit 27b according to the second embodiment changes a device that requests post-processing according to the processing load collected by the collection unit 27d.

  That is, the collection unit 27d collects the processing loads of the first workstation 301, the second workstation 302, and the third workstation 303 shown in FIG. Specifically, the collection unit 27d determines the processing load of each device based on the elapsed time from the time when the post-processing is requested to the device that has requested the post-processing.

  Here, when the processing load of the apparatus that has requested post-processing is high, the time required for completion of the post-processing by the apparatus increases. That is, if a completion notification is not received even after “a certain period of time” has elapsed from the time when post-processing is requested, it can be determined that the processing load of the apparatus that has requested post-processing is high.

  Therefore, the storage unit 26 according to the second embodiment stores the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information according to the second embodiment.

  The correspondence information according to the second embodiment is information in which, for each type of post-processing, a device having a function capable of executing the post-processing and a processing time threshold value are associated with each other. In the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 13, “WS1 and WS3” and the processing time “t1” are associated with the post-processing type “DTT”, and “WS2” and the processing time “t2” are associated with the post-processing type “MRS”. ”And“ WS1 ”and processing time“ t3 ”are associated with the post-processing type“ BOLD ”. In the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 13, “WS1” and processing time “t4” are associated with the post-processing type “Cardiac”, and “WS2 and WS3” and processing time are associated with the post-processing type “PWI”. “T5” is associated with the post-processing type “CPR”, and “Con” and the processing time “t6” are associated with each other.

  The above processing time is a threshold set for each type of post-processing, and for example, an average time required for the corresponding post-processing is set as the threshold.

  With reference to the processing time of the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 13, the collection unit 27d collects information regarding the processing load of the apparatus that has requested post-processing. For example, if the collection unit 27d does not receive a completion notification even after “t1” has elapsed from the first workstation 301 that has requested post-processing of “DTT”, for example, the processing load on the first workstation 301 increases. To the determination unit 27b. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a determination unit according to the second embodiment.

  In such a case, the determination unit 27b refers to the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 13, and as illustrated in FIG. 14, determines the destination of post-processing of “DTT” from the first workstation 301 (WS1) to the third work. It is determined to change to station 303 (WS3). Then, the determination unit 27 b controls the communication unit 28 to transmit the MRI image data for post-processing of “DTT” to the third workstation 303.

  Subsequently, a processing flow of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a post-processing request destination change process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the collection unit 27 d included in the control unit 27 according to the second embodiment includes a device that has not transmitted a completion notification even when the processing time corresponding to the requested post-processing has elapsed. Whether or not (step S301).

  Here, when there is a device that has not transmitted the completion notification (Yes at Step S301), the determination unit 27b changes the post-processing request destination requested to the device by the notification of the collection unit 27d (Step S302). Then, under the control of the determination unit 27b, the communication unit 28 transfers the post-processing MRI image to the changed device (step S303).

  On the other hand, when there is no device that has not transmitted the completion notification (No at Step S301), or after performing the processing at Step S303, the display control unit 27c has received the completion notification for all items included in the post-processing information. Whether or not (step S304). If the completion notification for all items has not been received (No at Step S304), the collection unit 27d returns to Step S301 and transmits the completion notification even if the processing time corresponding to the requested post-processing has elapsed. It is determined whether there is a device that has not been used.

  On the other hand, when the completion notification for all items is received (Yes at Step S304), the collection unit 27d and the determination unit 27b end the post-processing request destination change processing.

  In the above description, the case where the processing load of the apparatus is determined based on the elapsed time since the collection unit 27d requested post-processing has been described. However, in the present embodiment, for example, the collection unit 27d performs post-processing. The CPU usage rate of the requested apparatus may be collected to determine the processing load. In the above description, the case where the request destination is changed after the request for post-processing has been described. However, in the present embodiment, for example, the CPU usage rate of each device is first collected, and the CPU usage rate is set to a device having a predetermined value or less. For example, the request destination may be determined.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the MRI apparatus 100 dynamically changes the apparatus that requests post-processing according to the load of each apparatus installed in the medical image diagnostic system. Thereby, in 2nd Embodiment, it can avoid that the time which inspection requires increases, As a result, it becomes possible to improve inspection efficiency reliably.

  As described in the description of FIG. 1, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be a case where a plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses are installed in a medical image diagnostic system. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  For example, in the modification shown in FIG. 16, the MRI apparatus 101 and the X-ray CT apparatus 102 are installed in the medical image diagnostic system together with the MRI apparatus 100. The MRI apparatus 101 and the X-ray XT apparatus 102 are provided with a control unit having the same function as the control unit 27 described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. For example, each of the MRI apparatus 100, the MRI apparatus 101, and the X-ray CT apparatus 102 holds the above-described correspondence information, and an inspection series in which post-processing is performed in conjunction with scanning from the imaging plan registered in the own apparatus. , And the correspondence information is referenced to determine the post-processing request destination.

  Further, for example, each of the MRI apparatus 100, the MRI apparatus 101, and the X-ray CT apparatus 102 receives a post-processing completion notification from the requested apparatus, and displays that the inspection item corresponding to the post-processing is completed. . Further, for example, each of the MRI apparatus 100, the MRI apparatus 101, and the X-ray CT apparatus 102 dynamically changes the apparatus that requests post-processing according to the load of each apparatus installed in the medical image diagnostic system.

  Further, the image processing management method described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is not limited to the case where the image processing management method is executed by a medical image diagnostic apparatus installed in a medical image diagnostic system. For example, the image processing management method described in the first and second embodiments is installed as the image storage device 200, the first workstation 301, or an image processing management device that executes the image processing management method. It may be executed by an apparatus.

  These apparatuses can acquire an imaging plan from each medical image diagnostic apparatus in the medical image diagnostic system and execute the image processing management method described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. In addition, the functions and sharing of the apparatus that executes the image processing management method may be appropriately changed in the medical image diagnostic system according to the operation mode.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modification, the inspection efficiency can be improved.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

22 input unit 23 display unit 27 control unit 27a acquisition unit 27b determination unit 27c display control unit 28 communication unit

Claims (4)

For each type of post-processing for a medical image, a storage unit that stores correspondence information that associates a device having a function capable of executing the post-processing;
An input unit that accepts registration of an imaging plan from an operator before the start of an inspection including a plurality of inspection items;
With reference to the imaging plan, an acquisition unit that acquires post-processing information that associates an examination item that requires post-processing with respect to a medical image and the type of the post-processing;
A determination unit that refers to the correspondence information and determines a device that requests post-processing of a medical image captured by an examination item included in the post-processing information;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A display control unit for displaying on the display unit that the inspection item corresponding to the post-processing executed by the device is completed when a post-processing completion notification is received from the device for which post-processing is requested by the determination unit;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A collection unit for collecting a processing load of the device included in the correspondence information;
Further comprising
The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit changes a device that requests post-processing according to a processing load collected by the collection unit. For each type of post-processing for a medical image, a storage unit that stores correspondence information that associates a device having a function capable of executing the post-processing;
Obtain an imaging plan registered by the operator before the start of an examination including a plurality of examination items, refer to the imaging plan, and specify the examination items that require post-processing on medical images and the types of the post-processing. An acquisition unit for acquiring associated post-processing information;
A determination unit that refers to the correspondence information and determines a device that requests post-processing of a medical image captured by an examination item included in the post-processing information;
An image processing management apparatus comprising:

Images