JP5454875B2 - Diagnostic imaging support system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image diagnosis support system that supports image diagnosis of a doctor or the like using data generated by a CAD (Computer Aided Diagnosis System).

  CAD performs image processing on a medical image generated by an X-ray CT apparatus or a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, detects an abnormal area included in the medical image, and calculates an abnormal value from the detected abnormal area. The CAD supports the image diagnosis by highlighting the detected abnormal area or presenting the abnormal value to a doctor or the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  If a patient has a plurality of diseases, the number of abnormal areas and abnormal values pointed out by CAD becomes enormous. Therefore, the doctor must discriminate useful information from the enormous amount of information presented by CAD. This is troublesome for doctors, and improvement in the efficiency of image diagnosis using CAD is desired.

  In addition, there are times when a doctor who specializes in another field must examine the patient, not a doctor who specializes in a field corresponding to the patient's condition. A doctor in a specialized field is thought to be able to confirm the diagnosis by analyzing only useful information from these vast amounts of information. However, in the case of a doctor who is not a specialized field, it is difficult to distinguish useful information from information that is not so, and more information is referred to. Therefore, it is difficult to confirm the diagnosis in a short time even if CAD is used.

JP 2008-142532 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image diagnosis support system that can improve the efficiency of image diagnosis and shorten the image diagnosis time.

  The image diagnosis support system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores a first table in which an identifier of a disease is associated with an identifier of another disease clinically related to the disease, and the disease A second storage unit that stores a second table that associates an identifier of the disease and a test item related to the disease, and is associated on the first table with a disease identifier input by a user among the disease identifiers There is an abnormality in the first specifying unit that specifies an identifier of another disease, the second specifying unit that specifies the test item associated with the specified identifier on the second table, and the specified test item A generating unit that generates display image data having a confirmation item for finding whether or not the image is confirmed, and a display unit that displays the generated display image.

  An image diagnosis support system according to a second aspect of the present invention relates to a storage unit that stores a first table in which an identifier of a disease and an urgency level of the disease are associated with each other, and associates the identifier of the disease with a test item related to the disease A second storage unit that stores the second table, a determination unit that determines whether or not the disease to be examined among the disease identifiers has a predetermined urgency level, and the determination When the unit determines that the disease to be tested has the predetermined urgency level, the specifying unit that specifies the test item associated with the identifier of the disease to be tested on the second table, and the specified A display unit for displaying the check items of the findings for checking whether or not the inspection items are abnormal in a check list format.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image diagnosis support system that can improve the efficiency of image diagnosis and shorten the image diagnosis time.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image diagnosis support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the contribution table memorize | stored in the contribution table storage part of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the related disease table memorize | stored in the related disease table memory | storage part of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the emergency level table memorize | stored in the emergency level table memory | storage part of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the check list production | generation part of FIG. The figure which shows the typical example of the flow of operation | movement by the image diagnosis assistance system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the typical example of the flow of step S5 of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a screen displayed in step S501 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the test | inspection confirmation list | wrist produced | generated in step S504 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the CAD result list produced | generated in step S506 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the observation confirmation list | wrist produced | generated in step S509 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the check list displayed in step S7 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an image diagnosis support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image diagnosis support system according to the present embodiment is a computer network system for supporting image diagnosis by a doctor.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image diagnosis support system 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the diagnostic imaging support system 1 includes a CAD (Computer Aided Diagnosis System) 10, a server device 20, and an image display device 30 that are connected to each other via a network.

  The CAD 10 uses CAD-specific algorithms to convert medical image data generated by an X-ray CT apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, etc. to support image diagnosis by a user such as a doctor. A computer terminal for image processing. Specifically, the CAD 10 extracts an abnormal region as a candidate for a lesion part included in the medical image data, and calculates the coordinate position and the abnormal value of the extracted abnormal region. Then, the CAD 10 transmits clinical data (hereinafter referred to as CAD result data) such as the calculated coordinate position and abnormal value of the abnormal region to the server device 20 together with the medical image data.

  CAD result data is managed for each examination item in image diagnosis. Specifically, the CAD result includes a coordinate position of the abnormal region, an abnormal value, an outline description of the abnormal value, an evaluation method of the abnormal value, and an identifier of a suspected disease. Specifically, the coordinate position of the abnormal region relates to the coordinates and size on the medical image. The abnormal value is a value of a feature value evaluated by CAD as being abnormal among the feature values of various items related to the abnormal region. The outline description of the abnormal value is, for example, an outline description of the feature amount regarding the abnormal value. There are various methods for evaluating abnormal values depending on CAD. For example, the threshold value used in the evaluation of the presence / absence of abnormality and the determination criterion using the threshold value. The determination criteria are, for example, determining that an abnormality is present if it is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and determining normal (health) if it is equal to or less than the threshold value. The identifier of the suspected disease is the name or ID of the suspected disease.

  The server device 20 is a server computer that manages basic information related to various diseases and CAD result data related to patients. Specifically, the server device 20 includes a contribution table storage unit 21, a related disease table storage unit 23, an urgency level table storage unit 25, and a CAD result data storage unit 27.

  The contribution table storage unit 21 stores a data file of a table (hereinafter referred to as a contribution table) that defines the contributions of examination items for each disease. The degree of contribution is an index indicating the degree of contribution to diagnosis confirmation for a certain disease of a certain test item. The higher the degree of contribution, the higher the priority should be for inspection / confirmation compared to other contribution level inspection items. In the contribution table, an identifier of a disease related to the test item and a contribution of the test item to the disease are associated with the identifier of the test item. In the contribution table, the inspection item identifier is associated with the evaluation item data of the inspection item.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a contribution table relating to acute abdomen. Acute abdomen is a group of abdominal diseases whose main symptom is sudden abdominal pain. As shown in FIG. 2, diseases related to acute abdomen include perforation of the digestive tract, intestinal necrosis, intestinal obstruction, strangulation ileus, and the like. In addition, examination items related to these diseases include free air, ascites (CT image), ascites puncture, angiography, and the like. The degree of contribution of each test item to each disease is defined in five levels, that is, level 1 (not relevant) to level 5 (strongly relevant). For example, the degree of contribution of free air to gastrointestinal perforation is level 5. Therefore, if gastrointestinal perforation is suspected, whether or not free air is recognized should be preferentially confirmed as compared to other examination items (for example, whether or not ascites is recognized). In the above contribution degree table, the contribution degree is defined in five stages, but is not limited to this. That is, the degree of contribution may be divided into less than 5 stages or more than 5 stages. For example, the degree of contribution may be two levels, that is, level 1 (not related) and level 2 (related).

  The related disease table storage unit 23 stores a data file of a table that defines the degree of association between diseases (hereinafter referred to as a related disease table). The degree of association is an index indicating a causal relationship or correlation between diseases. The higher the degree of association, the stronger the causal relationship or correlation between the diseases. When one of the diseases is observed, there is a high possibility that the other disease is accompanied. Specifically, the related disease table associates an identifier of a disease with an identifier of another disease clinically related to the disease.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a related disease table related to acute abdomen. As shown in FIG. 3, the related disease table defines the degree of association between diseases in five levels, that is, level 1 (not related) to level 5 (causal). For example, the degree of association between mesenteric arteriovenous thrombosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture is level 4. In the above-described relevance level table, the relevance level is defined in five stages, but is not limited to this. That is, the degree of relevance may be divided into less than 5 stages or more than 5 stages. For example, the degree of relevance may be two levels, that is, level 1 (no causality) and level 2 (causal).

  The urgency level table storage unit 25 stores a data file of a table that defines the urgency level of a disease (hereinafter referred to as an urgency level table). Urgency is an index indicating the degree of lethality. The higher the degree of urgency, the higher the fatality, and should be urgently treated and tested. Specifically, the urgency level table associates a disease identifier and the urgency level of the disease.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an urgency table for diseases related to acute abdomen. As shown in FIG. 4, the urgency level table defines disease urgency levels in three levels, that is, level 1 (conservative treatment), level 2 (conservative treatment or emergency surgery), and level 3 (emergency surgery). Yes. For example, diseases belonging to level 3 include gastrointestinal perforation, strangulation ileus, intestinal necrosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, ectopic pregnancy rupture, and the like. In the above urgency level table, the urgency level is defined in three stages, but is not limited to this. In other words, the degree of urgency may be divided into stages with fewer than three or stages with more than three. For example, the level of urgency may be two levels, that is, level 1 (no need for emergency surgery) and level 2 (needs emergency surgery).

  The CAD result data storage unit 27 stores CAD result data transmitted from the CAD 10. The CAD result is stored in association with the identifier of the inspection item. The CAD result data storage unit 27 stores medical image data in association with CAD result data.

  The image display device 30 is a computer terminal that displays CAD results in the display layout according to the present embodiment in order to support image diagnosis. Specifically, the image display device 30 includes a table data reading unit 31, a CAD result data reading unit 33, a check list generation unit 35, an input unit 37, a display unit 39, and a system control unit 41.

  Under the control of the system control unit 41, the table data reading unit 31 receives a contribution table data file from the contribution table storage unit 21 of the server device 20, and a related disease table data file from the related disease table storage unit 23. Is a module that reads a data file of the urgency table from the urgency table storage unit 25. The read data file is supplied to the check list generator 35 by the system controller 41.

  The CAD result data reading unit 33 is a module that reads CAD result data and medical image data from the CAD result data storage unit 33 under the control of the system control unit 41. The read CAD result data is supplied to the check list generator 35 by the system controller 41.

  Based on the data file from the table data reading unit 31 and the CAD result data from the CAD result data reading unit 33, the check list generation unit 35 reflects the priority of the inspection items according to the degree of association and the degree of urgency. This module generates checklist data. The generated checklist data is supplied to the display unit 39 by the system control unit 41.

  The input unit 37 inputs an instruction from the user to the system control unit 41. As the input unit 37, input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, various buttons, and a touch key panel can be used as appropriate.

  The display unit 39 displays checklist data generated by the checklist generation unit 35. As the display unit 39, for example, a display device such as a CRT (cathode-ray tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or a plasma display can be used as appropriate.

  The system control unit 41 functions as the center of the image diagnosis support system 1. The system control unit 41 receives a checklist display instruction from the input unit 37, controls each unit, and executes checklist generation / display processing unique to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the check list generation unit 35. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the check list generation unit 35 includes an examination item identification unit 351, a CAD result identification unit 352, a confirmed disease identification unit 353, an examination confirmation list generation unit 354, a CAD result list generation unit 355, and an observation list generation unit. 356, a check list configuration unit 357, and a check list display control unit 358.

  The test item specifying unit 351 searches the data file of the contribution table from the table data reading unit 31 using the identifier of the specific disease as a search key, and on the contribution table from the test items included in the contribution table. The inspection item associated with the search key is specified. Then, the inspection item specifying unit 351 specifies the inspection item to be displayed with priority from the specified inspection items (hereinafter referred to as a display inspection item) according to the contribution. Even if the identifier of the specific disease is the identifier of the disease included in the CAD result or the identifier of the disease specified by the confirmed disease specifying unit 353, the identifier of the disease input by the user via the input unit 37 It may be an identifier.

  The CAD result specifying unit 352 searches for the CAD result from the CAD result data reading unit 33 using the identifier of the specified display inspection item as a search key, and calls the CAD result related to the display inspection item (hereinafter referred to as the display CAD result). Data).

  The confirmation disease specifying unit 353 searches the data file of the related disease table or the urgency level table from the table data reading unit 31 using the identifier of the specific disease as a search key, and associates it with the search key on the related disease table or the urgency level table Identify the disease identified. The identified disease is a disease of higher relevance or urgency than a predetermined level. Thus, the disease specified by the related disease table or the urgency level table is a disease to be confirmed with priority over other diseases. Therefore, the disease specified by the confirmation disease specifying unit 353 is referred to as a confirmation disease. The specific disease identifier may be a disease identifier included in the CAD result data or a disease identifier input by the user via the input unit 37.

  The inspection confirmation list generating unit 354 generates a list (hereinafter referred to as an inspection confirmation list) in which inspection names of display inspection items specified by the inspection item specifying unit 351 are arranged in order of contribution (priority). The inspection confirmation list is a display area included in the check list.

  The CAD result list generating unit 355 generates a list of display CAD results specified by the CAD result specifying unit 352 (hereinafter referred to as a CAD result list). The inspection confirmation list is a display area included in the check list.

  The finding confirmation list generation unit 356 generates a list (hereinafter, referred to as an observation confirmation list) that can confirm the presence / absence of an abnormality in the test item of the confirmed disease identified by the confirmed disease identification unit 353. The finding confirmation list is a display area included in the check list.

  The check list configuration unit 357 combines check list data, CAD result list data, finding confirmation list data, medical image data, and the like to configure check list data.

  The check list display control unit 358 controls each unit in the check list generation unit 35 to generate check list data. The generated checklist data is supplied to the display unit 39. Also, the check list display control unit 358 reflects the instruction from the input unit 37 on the check list. For example, the check list display control unit 358 highlights various items according to instructions from the input unit 37, checks or unchecks check boxes on the observation confirmation list, and sets disease identifiers on the check list. Or enter. In addition, the check list display control unit 358 emphasizes the coordinate position of the abnormal area included in the CAD result on the medical image.

  Hereinafter, a clinical application example of checklist generation / display processing performed under the control of the system control unit 41 will be specifically described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical flow of checklist generation / display processing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when a user such as a doctor requests the diagnostic imaging support system 1 to display a checklist via the input unit 37, checklist generation / display processing is executed (step S1). First, the CAD 10 captures medical image data relating to a patient to be diagnosed and performs image processing to generate abnormal region data and abnormal value data, thereby generating CAD result data (step S2). Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the CAD result data is abnormal area data.

  In the stage of step S2, the CAD 10 generates CAD result data for an examination item determined to be necessary by the user, for example, an angiographic examination. The CAD result in the case of an angiographic examination is, for example, the coordinate position of a stenosis candidate region or an infarct candidate region on a medical image. The generated CAD result data is stored in the CAD result data storage unit 27 in association with an identifier for specifying CAD result data such as a patient ID and an examination ID. The CAD result data is associated with the medical image data from which the CAD result data originated and the image ID (or slice number) of the medical image.

  Next, the CAD result data reading unit 33 reads CAD result data relating to the patient to be diagnosed from the CAD result data storage unit 27 (step S3). Specifically, first, the user inputs an identifier of the CAD result via the input unit 37. The CAD result data reading unit 33 searches the CAD result data storage unit 27 using the input identifier as a search key, and specifies and reads CAD result data associated with the search key. The read CAD result data is supplied to the check list generator 35. In the above description, the CAD result data to be diagnosed is read in response to the input of the identifier. However, the present embodiment need not be limited to this. For example, when CAD result data to be diagnosed is generated, it may be automatically read.

  Then, the table data reading unit 31 reads each table file from each table storage unit 21, 23, 25 (step S4). The read table file is supplied to the check list generator 35.

  When the CAD result data is supplied from the CAD result data reading unit 33 and the data of the table file is supplied from the table data reading unit 31, the check list generating unit 35 generates check list data based on these data (step S5). . Hereinafter, a typical operation example of the check list generation unit 35 in the check list generation process will be described. In order to specifically describe the following, it is assumed that the disease identifier is the disease name, and the test item identifier is the test item name.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a typical flow of the operation of the check list generation unit 35 in the check list generation process. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the check list display control unit 358 of the check list generation unit 35 waits for a disease name to be input (step S501). During standby, the display unit 39 displays a screen for prompting input of a disease name as shown in FIG. In this display image, a disease name input field RI1 and a confirmation button B1 are displayed. In the input field RI <b> 1, the name of a disease that the user suspects is suffering from the patient to be diagnosed is input via the input unit 37.

  When a disease name is input in the input field RI1 and the confirm button B1 is pressed via the input unit 37 (step S501: YES), the check list display control unit 358 performs a first specifying process on the test item specifying unit 351. (Step S502). In step S502, the test item specifying unit 351 searches the contribution table using the input disease name as a search key, and specifies the test item associated with the search key on this data file. At this stage, all examination items clinically related to the disease input in step S501 are specified.

  When the related inspection item is specified, the check list display control unit 358 causes the inspection item specifying unit 351 to perform a display inspection item specifying process (step S503). In step S503, the inspection item specifying unit 351 compares the contributions of the inspection items specified in step S502, and specifies inspection items (display inspection items) to be preferentially displayed. Specifically, the inspection item specifying unit 351 sets an inspection item having a predetermined contribution degree as a display inspection item. For example, the predetermined contribution is, for example, a level highly related to the disease input in step S502, or level 5 in FIG. This predetermined contribution degree may be set in advance or can be arbitrarily set by the user via the input unit 37.

  When the display inspection item is specified, the check list display control unit 358 causes the inspection confirmation list generation unit 354 to perform inspection confirmation list generation processing (step S504). In step S504, the search confirmation list generation unit 354 generates inspection confirmation list data regarding the display inspection item specified in step S503. The data of the generated inspection confirmation list is supplied to the check list configuration unit 357.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a generated inspection confirmation list. As shown in FIG. 9, the inspection confirmation list has, for example, an inspection item column, a priority column, and a confirmation column. In the inspection item column, names of inspection items having high priority and contribution are arranged in order from the top. For example, in FIG. 9, angiographic examination (infarct), blood (general), and blood (biochemistry) are arranged in order from the top in order of decreasing contribution. The priority of each test item is determined by the disease to be diagnosed and the user. When diagnosing a certain disease, “essential” is assigned to an examination item that must be confirmed, and “non-essential” is assigned to an examination item that is not an essential confirmation item. For example, “essential” is automatically assigned to the inspection item with the contribution level 5 which is the highest level, and “non-essential” is automatically assigned to the inspection item with the other contribution level. “Confirmed” is assigned to the confirmation item if the inspection item has been confirmed, and “unconfirmed” is assigned if it has not been confirmed. The contribution may be displayed instead of the priority.

  When the display inspection item is specified in step S503, the checklist display control unit 358 causes the CAD result specifying unit 352 to perform display CAD result specifying processing (step S505). In step S505, the CAD result specifying unit 352 searches the CAD result data from the CAD result data reading unit 33 using the identifier of the display test item specified in step S503 as a search key, and displays CAD associated with the display test item. Identify the resulting data. That is, in step S505, CAD result data relating to the display inspection item is specified.

  When the display CAD result is specified, the check list display control unit 358 causes the CAD result list generation unit 355 to perform a CAD result list generation process (step S506). In step S506, the CAD result list generation unit 355 generates data of a CAD result list regarding the specified display CAD result. The data of the generated CAD result list is supplied to the check list configuration unit 357.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CAD result list regarding the examination item “angiography examination”. As shown in FIG. 10, the CAD result confirmation list has, for example, a CAD result column and a finding column. In the CAD result column, for example, the name of the CAD result assigned by the CAD 10 or the like to distinguish a plurality of CAD results related to the inspection item from each other is displayed. For example, since the CAD result in the examination item “angiography examination” is an infarct candidate area, “infarction candidate 1”, “infarction candidate 2”, and the like are displayed in the CAD result column. The CAD result name is associated with the CAD result data. For example, “infarction candidate 1” is associated with the data of the coordinate position of the corresponding infarct candidate region. In the observation column, the user's judgment (findings) based on the CAD result is shown. The findings are input by the user via the input unit 27, for example.

  When a disease name is input in step S501 (step S501: YES), the checklist display control unit 358 causes the confirmed disease identifying unit 353 to perform a confirmed disease identifying process (step S507). In step S507, the confirmed disease specifying unit 353 searches the data file of the related disease table using the input disease name as a search key, and specifies a disease associated with the search key and having a high degree of association on the related disease table. For example, a disease with a relevance level of 5 that is the highest level is identified. Next, the confirmed disease specifying unit 353 searches the data file of the urgency level table using the specified disease name as a search key, and specifies a disease with a high urgency level. The disease identified in this way is a disease (confirmation disease) having a high degree of association with the disease input in step S501 and a high degree of urgency.

  When the confirmed disease is specified, the check list display control unit 358 causes the test item specifying unit 351 to perform the second test item specifying process (step S508). In step S508, the test item specifying unit 351 searches the data file of the contribution table using the name of the confirmed disease as a search key, and specifies the test item associated with the search key on this data file. The specified test item is a test item necessary for diagnosing a confirmed disease. If there are many specified inspection items, the inspection items may be limited to those having a high contribution degree by comparing the contributions of the inspection items as in step S503.

  When the inspection item is specified, the check list display control unit 358 causes the observation confirmation list generation unit 356 to perform the observation confirmation list generation process (step S508). In step S508, the observation confirmation list generation unit 358 generates data of the observation confirmation list for the inspection item specified in step S507. The data of the generated observation confirmation list is supplied to the check list configuration unit 357.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the finding confirmation list. As shown in FIG. 11, the finding confirmation list includes a plurality of finding confirmation items. Confirmation items are hierarchically prepared in advance for each inspection item. For example, in the case of the inspection item “intestinal necrosis”, as shown in FIG. 11, there is a confirmation item “existence of intestinal necrosis”, and the confirmation item “existence of intestinal necrosis” is confirmed in more detail below it. There are confirmation items “color of ascites” and “MR High Intensity”. Next to each confirmation item, a check box BO1 that is checked when there is an abnormality in the corresponding confirmation item and a check box BO2 that is checked when there is no abnormality are provided. In addition, an input field RI2 for inputting a comprehensive judgment (findings) by the user after confirming the confirmation item is provided above the confirmation item.

  When steps S504, S506, and S509 are performed, the checklist display control unit 358 causes the checklist configuration unit 357 to perform checklist configuration processing (step S510). In step S510, the check list configuration unit 357 generates check list data by combining the inspection confirmation list, CAD result list, finding confirmation list, and the like. The generated checklist data is supplied to the display unit 39.

  When the checklist data is generated in this way, the checklist generation process by the checklist generation unit 35 is completed.

  Returning to FIG. 6 again, the description of the checklist generation / display processing performed under the control of the system control unit 41 will be continued.

  When check list data is generated by the check list generation unit 35 in step S5, the display unit 39 displays the check list (step S6). The display unit 39 displays the check list to prompt the user to confirm the confirmation items regarding the confirmed disease.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a check list. As shown in FIG. 12, the check list includes an examination confirmation list R1, a CAD result list R2, a medical image R3, and a finding confirmation list R4. As described above, the inspection items with the highest priority are displayed in order from the top in the inspection confirmation list R1. Thereby, the user can quickly confirm the inspection items to be confirmed with priority. “Confirmed” is displayed in the confirmation column when the CAD result list regarding the inspection item is displayed, and “Unconfirmed” is displayed in the case where the CAD result list is not yet displayed. By referring to this confirmation column, the user can grasp at a glance whether or not the inspection item has been confirmed.

  In the CAD result list R2 initially displayed, a list of CAD results relating to the inspection item that should be given the highest priority among the inspection items displayed in the inspection confirmation list R1 is displayed. Typically, a list of CAD results related to the inspection item displayed at the top is displayed. A medical image R3 is displayed next to the CAD result list R2. The medical image R3 displayed initially is a medical image associated with the CAD result at the top of the CAD result list R2.

When displaying the medical image R3, the display unit 39 specifies the coordinate position P1 on the medical image R3 of the abnormal region included in the CAD result, and the specified coordinate position is highlighted (emphasized) and displayed. As a highlighting method, for example, the color and brightness of the coordinate position P1 of the abnormal region may be changed or blinked. As another method, only the outline of the abnormal region may be emphasized, or the coordinate position P1 may be indicated by an arrow or the like. Thus, by highlighting the coordinate position P1 of the abnormal area, the user can grasp the abnormal area at a glance.

  As described above, the finding confirmation list R4 initially displays the finding confirmation list regarding the examination item to be confirmed regarding the confirmed disease. Since the confirmation items are displayed from the top in the descending order of contribution to the confirmation disease, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to confirm the essential confirmation items. Further, by displaying the check boxes BO1 and BO2 next to the confirmation item, the user can be prompted to confirm the confirmation item. In this way, by displaying the presence / absence of abnormalities in test items related to confirmed diseases in a checklist format according to the order of contribution, it is possible to promptly confirm not only a specialist user but also a non-specialist user. it can.

  When the check list is confirmed, the user performs various operations on the check list via the input unit 37 to confirm the diagnosis. The check list generation unit 35 (check list display control unit 358) updates the check list according to the operation from the user (step S8), and the display unit 39 displays the updated check list (step S9).

  For example, when the name of the inspection item on the inspection item column is clicked with the mouse (input unit 37) or the like, the display unit 39 switches the CAD result list R2. Specifically, a CAD result list regarding the inspection item corresponding to the clicked name is displayed. Further, when the name of the inspection item on the inspection item column is clicked, the display unit 39 switches between “confirmed” and “unconfirmed” in the confirmation column.

  Also, the check list display control unit 358 receives the CAD result corresponding to the clicked name when the user clicks the name of the CAD result on the CAD result column (for example, “infarct candidate 1” in FIG. 12). The slice number and coordinates of the abnormal region associated with the are identified. The display unit 39 displays the medical image R3 having the identified slice number, and highlights and displays the coordinate position P1 of the abnormal region on the displayed medical image R3.

  The display unit 39 displays a finding confirmation list R4 regarding the abnormal area when the user places the mouse cursor on the highlighted area (the coordinates of the tip of the mouse cursor are included in the highlighted coordinate area). .

  In addition, when a disease name is input in the finding input field RI2, the checklist generation unit 35 performs processing in the order of steps S507, S508, and S509, and confirms the disease based on the input disease name, the test item, And a new finding confirmation list is generated.

  As described above, the confirmation items are prepared hierarchically. These confirmation items for all layers need not be initially displayed on the observation confirmation list R4. For example, only the uppermost confirmation item may be displayed initially. In this case, the confirmation item of the lower layer is newly provided in the finding confirmation column R4 by the check list generation unit 35 when the confirmation item of the upper layer is selected, and is displayed on the display unit 39. The check in the check box BO1 is input by the user via the input unit 37. Even if the check box BO2 is checked, the confirmation items below it are not displayed. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. In the case of FIG. 12, the top confirmation items are “the presence / absence of intestinal necrosis” and “the presence / absence of perforation”. Initially, only these top confirmation items are displayed, and the confirmation items “color of ascites” and “MR High Intensity” and “Free Air” are not displayed. Then, when the user checks the check box BO1 corresponding to “the presence / absence of intestinal necrosis” or “the presence / absence of perforation” via the input unit 37, the confirmation item “color of ascites” “MR High Intensity” and “Free Air” are displayed. In this way, by updating the check list according to the user operation, information on the check list such as user-inspected inspection items and confirmation items can be dynamically displayed.

  While the update work is being performed, the checklist generation unit 35 determines whether there is an inspection item that has not yet been performed (unordered) among inspection items that are highly required to be confirmed (Step S <b> 1). S10). When there is an unexecuted inspection item (step S10: YES), the check list generator 35 stands by until there are no unimplemented inspection items. During this time, the display unit 39 displays information indicating that it has not been performed next to the inspection item that has not been performed. For example, the character of the name of an unexecuted inspection item is displayed in reverse video, blinking, or the character color is changed. In this way, the display unit 39 prompts the user to perform an unperformed test. At this time, the display unit 39 may display the vacancy information of the modality for performing the unexecuted inspection according to the order information from an ordering system or the like (not shown). For example, when there is an angiographic examination as an unexecuted examination item, the display unit 39 displays information indicating that the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is available or not available.

  If it is determined that there is an unexecuted inspection item, the CAD 10 waits for an unexecuted inspection item to be executed (step S11). When an inspection is performed on an unexecuted inspection item by the user (step S11: YES), CAD result data regarding the performed inspection item is generated (step S2). Then, steps S3 to S10 are repeated again. In this way, steps S2 to S11 are repeated, and when there are no inspection items in the inspection items that are highly necessary to be confirmed (step S10: NO), the check list generation / display processing ends.

  After the checklist generation / display process is completed, the checklist data is stored in a storage unit (not shown). This checklist is read out as necessary and used for observation and diagnosis.

  With the above configuration, the diagnostic imaging support system 1 identifies an urgent disease (confirmed disease) related to a disease suspected by the user, and selects a test item having a large contribution to the confirmed diagnosis to the identified confirmed disease. Identify. And the confirmation item of the finding for confirming the presence or absence of abnormality about the specified inspection item is displayed in a check list format. This prevents oversight of the disease by the user, or prompts the user to preferentially confirm the highly urgent confirmation items.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an image diagnosis support system that can improve the efficiency of image diagnosis and shorten the image diagnosis time.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, the confirmation disease is identified based on the name of the disease input via the input unit 27. However, the present embodiment need not be limited to this. For example, the check list generation unit 35 searches the urgency level table using the name of the disease included in the CAD result as a search key, and determines whether or not the search key has a predetermined urgency level. If it is determined that the predetermined urgency level is determined, the checklist generation unit 35 sets the disease as a confirmed disease, and associates it with the name of the confirmed disease on the contribution degree table in the same manner as in the above embodiment. The test item is identified, and the data of the observation confirmation list regarding the confirmed disease is generated. Then, the display unit 39 displays the generated finding confirmation list. That is, the display unit 39 displays the check items of the findings for checking whether or not there is an abnormality with respect to the specified inspection item in a check list format. Thus, by automatically generating and displaying a finding confirmation list regarding urgent diseases, it is possible to prompt the user to confirm findings quickly. Accordingly, quick and reliable image diagnosis can be performed even in an emergency. The confirmation disease may be specified using both the urgency table and the related disease table.

(Modification 2)
The image diagnosis support system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by a CAD, a server device, and an image processing device as shown in FIG. However, the present embodiment need not be limited to this. For example, it may be one computer device (specifically, the CAD, the server device, or the image display device in FIG. 1) including the components shown in FIG.

(Modification 3)
Although the diagnostic imaging support system 1 according to the present embodiment displays the CAD result generated by the CAD 10, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a test result by a biochemical test may be displayed as a CAD result. In this case, the abnormal value of the CAD result is a value determined to be abnormal by an automatic analyzer or the like among the measurement values of the test item in the biochemical test.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image diagnosis support system that can improve the efficiency of image diagnosis and shorten the image diagnosis time.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image diagnosis support system, 10 ... CAD, 20 ... Server apparatus, 21 ... Contribution table storage part, 23 ... Related disease table storage part, 25 ... Urgent degree table storage part, 27 ... CAD result data storage part, 30 ... Image display device 31 ... Table data reading unit 33 ... CAD result data reading unit 35 ... Check list generating unit 37 ... Input unit 39 ... Display unit 41 ... System control unit

Claims (5)

A first storage unit for storing a first table in which an identifier of a disease and an identifier of another disease clinically related to the disease are associated;
A second storage unit for storing a second table in which the disease identifier and the examination item related to the disease are associated;
A first identification unit that identifies an identifier of another disease associated on the first table with an identifier of the disease input by the user among the identifiers of the disease;
A second specifying unit for specifying an inspection item associated with the specified identifier on the second table;
A generating unit that generates display image data having a confirmation item of findings for confirming whether or not there is an abnormality with respect to the specified inspection item;
A display unit for displaying the generated display image;
An image diagnosis support system comprising: Wherein the display unit, when the check item is selected by a user, an image diagnosis support system according to claim 1, wherein the displaying detailed confirmation items for the selected check item, it is characterized. The second table associates the disease identifier and the test item according to the contribution of the test item to the disease,
The generation unit generates the display image by arranging the specified inspection items in the contribution order.
The image diagnosis support system according to claim 1 . An input unit for inputting clinical data for each of the test items related to the test object;
The second specifying unit specifies an examination item associated with the identifier of the disease to be examined on the second table,
The generation unit reads clinical data related to the specified examination item from the storage unit, and includes the read clinical data in the display image.
The image diagnosis support system according to claim 1 . The generating unit, an image diagnosis support system according to claim 1, wherein said free information on modalities necessary for checking the inspection items included in the display image, characterized in that.

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