JP6740039B2 - Medical information processing device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical information processing apparatus.

Conventionally, the conditions of the inspection performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus are regularly reviewed. For example, regarding various protocols executed in an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, in order to delete unused protocols and improve the quality of the protocols, radiology department managers regularly meet. Review the protocol. Here, in recent years, as a system for supporting such a review of the protocol, a protocol management system that systematically reviews and approves the protocol and distributes it to the X-ray CT apparatus is known.

JP, 2009-011829, A JP, 2010-088937, A JP, 2006-305201, A JP, 2007-143719, A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical information processing apparatus capable of efficiently reviewing acquisition conditions of medical images.

The medical information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a collection unit, and a presentation unit. The acquisition unit acquires change information indicating a change in an item included in the medical image acquisition condition. The collection unit collects related information related to the change information from the record information having the record used as the collection condition of the medical image based on a predetermined condition. The presentation unit presents the change information in association with the related information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the parameter record information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of image information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of dose information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the protocol management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an acquisition process by the acquisition function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of collection processing by the collection function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display information displayed by the presentation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a variation of display information displayed by the presentation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a variation of display information displayed by the presentation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a variation of display information displayed by the presenting function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7D is a diagram showing a variation of display information displayed by the presenting function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7E is a diagram showing a variation of display information displayed by the presenting function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a modification of the display information displayed by the presentation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a modification of the display information displayed by the presentation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the display information displayed by the presentation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the medical information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the medical information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the medical information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the medical information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the memory circuit according to the second embodiment.

An embodiment of a medical information processing apparatus according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The medical information processing apparatus according to the present application is not limited to the embodiments described below.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the medical information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment is connected to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 and the image storage apparatus 200 via a network. The medical information processing apparatus 300 may be further connected to another information processing apparatus such as a server device or a user terminal via a network.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus, and a PET (Positron Emission computed Tomography) apparatus. ) Apparatus, a SPECT-CT apparatus in which a SPECT apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, a PET-CT apparatus in which a PET apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, or a group of these apparatuses. Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment collects image data based on collection conditions including various parameters when collecting image data for generating a medical image.

For example, the X-ray CT apparatus as the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 has parameters (imaging condition parameters) relating to acquisition of projection data and parameters (reconstruction) relating to reconstruction of image data (volume data) using the acquired projection data. Volume data is collected based on a protocol including condition parameters). In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus generates a CT image for display by performing various image processes on the collected volume data. The X-ray CT apparatus stores the collected volume data and the generated CT image in the image storage apparatus 200. In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus executes various image analyzes using volume data and CT images.

The image storage device 200 stores image data collected by various medical image diagnostic devices 100. For example, the image storage device 200 is realized by a computer device such as a server device. In the present embodiment, the image storage device 200 acquires image data from the medical image diagnostic device 100 via a network and stores the acquired image data in a storage circuit provided inside or outside the device.

The medical information processing apparatus 300 acquires various information regarding image data collection from various medical image diagnostic apparatuses 100 and image archiving apparatus 200 via a network, and supports review of medical image collection conditions using the acquired information. To do. Specifically, the medical information processing apparatus 300 revises the collection condition by acquiring information related to the change of the parameter included in the collection condition, a medical image, etc., and presenting various information related to the parameter to be changed. To support. For example, the medical information processing apparatus 300 is realized by a computer device such as a workstation.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the medical information processing apparatus 300 includes an I/F (interface) circuit 310, an input circuit 320, a display 330, a storage circuit 340, and a processing circuit 350.

The I/F circuit 310 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and controls transmission and communication of various data with the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 or the image archiving apparatus 200 connected via a network. For example, the I/F circuit 310 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

The input circuit 320 is connected to the processing circuit 350, converts an input operation received from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the processing circuit 350. For example, the input circuit 320 is realized by a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

The display 330 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and displays various information and various image data output from the processing circuit 350. For example, the display 330 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

The storage circuit 340 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and stores various data. For example, the storage circuit 340 is realized by a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. In the present embodiment, the storage circuit 340 stores information regarding changes in parameters included in the acquisition conditions received from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 or the image storage apparatus 200, medical images, and the like.

The processing circuit 350 controls each constituent element of the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to an input operation received from an operator via the input circuit 320. For example, the processing circuit 350 is implemented by a processor. In the present embodiment, the processing circuit 350 causes the storage circuit 340 to store information regarding changes in parameters output from the I/F circuit 310, medical images, and the like. Further, the processing circuit 350 reads out various kinds of information, medical images, and the like from the storage circuit 340, executes various kinds of processing, and displays the processing result on the display 330.

With such a configuration, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment enables efficient review of medical image acquisition conditions. Specifically, the medical information processing apparatus 300 presents reference information regarding the parameters changed at the time of reviewing the medical image acquisition conditions, thereby allowing the review to be efficiently performed. As described above, in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100, the inspection conditions are regularly reviewed. For example, regarding various protocols executed in the X-ray CT apparatus, in order to delete unused protocols and improve the quality of the protocols, radiology department managers regularly meet to review the protocols. carry out.

When the parameters are finely adjusted in this review, the medical information processing apparatus 300 presents information related to the finely adjusted parameters to the administrator to check and correct the finely adjusted parameters. This makes it possible to efficiently review medical image acquisition conditions. Here, the medical information processing apparatus 300 acquires the information related to the parameters after the fine adjustment from the information (actual information) of the conditions under which the examination was actually performed (the collection of the medical images was performed), By presenting it, more reliable reference information is provided.

Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, a case where the protocol of the X-ray CT apparatus is reviewed in the medical information processing apparatus 300 and the parameters are finely adjusted in this review will be described as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the storage circuit 340 according to the present embodiment stores, for example, parameter record information 341, image information 342, and dose information 343. Further, the processing circuit 350 according to this embodiment executes a control function 351, an acquisition function 352, a collection function 353, and a presentation function 354. Here, the acquisition function 352 is an example of an acquisition unit in the claims. The collecting function 353 is an example of a collecting unit in the claims. The presentation function 354 is an example of a presentation unit in the claims.

The parameter record information 341 is information regarding the imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions actually used when the examination is performed, and is acquired by the processing circuit 350 from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 (X-ray CT apparatus) or the like. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the parameter record information 341 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the parameter record information 341 is information in which an “inspection ID”, an “executed protocol”, a “parameter name”, and a “parameter value” are associated with each other. Here, the “inspection ID” in FIG. 2A is an identifier for uniquely identifying the actually performed inspection. Further, the “executed protocol” in FIG. 2A indicates a protocol actually executed in the inspection. Further, “parameter name” in FIG. 2A indicates a parameter name included in the protocol. Further, the “parameter value” in FIG. 2A indicates the value of each parameter.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the storage circuit 340 stores the parameter record information “inspection ID: S006, implemented protocol: DP0136, parameter name: KVP(0018,0060), mA(0018,9330),. Parameter value: 140, 290,... Here, regarding the above-mentioned information, the protocol of “DP0136” is executed in the inspection of which “inspection ID” is “S006”, and the parameters at that time are “KVP(0018,0060):140” and “mA(0018, 9330): 290". Note that the notation of the parameter name is shown by taking the notation included in the tag of DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) as an example. Similarly, the storage circuit 340 stores other parameter record information.

The image information 342 is a medical image collected by the examination, and is acquired by the processing circuit 350 from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 (X-ray CT apparatus) or the image storage apparatus 200. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of image information according to the first embodiment. For example, the image information 342 is information in which “examination ID”, “patient ID”, and “examination image” are associated with each other, as shown in FIG. 2B. Here, the “inspection ID” in FIG. 2B is an identifier for uniquely identifying the actually performed inspection. Further, the “patient ID” in FIG. 2B is an identifier for uniquely specifying the subject who has undergone the test specified by the corresponding “test ID”. Further, the “inspection image” in FIG. 2B is a medical image (CT image) collected by the inspection specified by the corresponding “inspection ID”. Here, the “inspection image” includes not only a simple CT image but also various images such as a contrast image and an analysis image (for example, a perfusion image). Further, the image information 342 in FIG. 2B is merely an example, and the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image information 342 may be a case in which information regarding the image quality of each image (for example, a numerical value indicating the image quality) is further associated.

For example, the storage circuit 340 stores image information in which “examination ID:S006”, “patient ID:P006”, and “examination image” are associated with each other, as shown in FIG. 2B. That is, the storage circuit 340 stores the CT image acquired from the subject whose “patient ID” is “P006” in the examination whose “examination ID” is “S006”. Similarly, the storage circuit 340 stores other image information.

The dose information 343 is information relating to the dose when an image is actually collected, and is acquired by the processing circuit 350 from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 (X-ray CT apparatus) or the like. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of dose information 343 according to the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the dose information 343 includes “examination ID”, “patient ID”, “dose value CTDI (Computed Tomography Dose Index) vol (mGy)”, and “dose value DLP (Dose Length). Product) (mGy·cm)”. Here, the “inspection ID” in FIG. 2C is an identifier for uniquely identifying the actually performed inspection. Further, the “patient ID” in FIG. 2C is an identifier for uniquely specifying the subject who has undergone the test specified by the corresponding “test ID”. Further, “dose value CTDIvol(mGy)” in FIG. 2C indicates a dose index in the CT examination specified by the corresponding “examination ID”. Further, “dose value DLP (mGy·cm)” in FIG. 2C indicates an index obtained by multiplying “dose value CTDIvol (mGy)” by the length of the X-ray irradiation range in the body axis direction.

For example, the storage circuit 340 stores dose information “examination ID: S006, patient ID: P006, dose value CTDIvol (mGy): 400, dose value DLP (mGy·cm): 600” as shown in FIG. 2C. .. Here, the above-mentioned information is that the dose received by the subject with the patient ID “P006” in the examination with the examination ID “S006” is “dose value CTDIvol (mGy): 400”, “dose value DLP (mGy·cm)”. : 600”. Similarly, the storage circuit 340 stores other dose information.

The parameter record information, the image information, and the dose information described above are, for example, each time an examination is performed in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 (X-ray CT apparatus), by the control function 351 of the processing circuit 350, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100(X Line CT device) or the image storage device 200 and stored in the storage circuit 340. It should be noted that the above-mentioned parameter record information 341 and dose information 343 may be stored in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 by preparing a new template (for example, DICOM Sup.121) in the tag of DICOM. Good. The parameter record information 341 and the dose information 343 may be acquired from information (KVP, mA, etc.) managed by the existing DICOM information (Radiation Dose SR) regarding the dose, for example.

Returning to FIG. 1, the control function 351 in the processing circuit 350 performs overall control of the medical information processing apparatus 300. For example, the control function 351 causes the storage circuit 340 to store information regarding changes in parameters output from the I/F circuit 310, medical images, and the like. Further, the control function 351 causes various processes to be executed according to the input operation received from the operator via the input circuit 320.

The acquisition function 352 acquires change information indicating a change in the items included in the medical image acquisition conditions. Specifically, the acquisition function 352 acquires the change information indicating the change of the parameter in the review of the collection condition used by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100. For example, the acquisition function 352 acquires parameter change information in reviewing the protocol in the X-ray CT apparatus. Here, in the medical information processing apparatus 300, it is possible to apply a protocol management system that systematically reviews and approves protocols and distributes them to the X-ray CT apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the protocol management system according to the first embodiment. For example, the processing circuit 350 displays the screen shown in FIG. 3 on the display 330 and accepts the parameter change via the input circuit 320 to acquire the change information. For example, the presentation function 354 in the processing circuit 350 causes the display 330 to display a window including the “approval request list” as shown in FIG. Here, the “approval request list” is a list for requesting approval of the protocol from the administrator of the radiology department or the like. The “approval request list” includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, “protocol” information for requesting approval. Here, the “protocol” for which approval is requested is associated with “patient type”, “protocol name”, “number of changes”, “approval date”, etc. for each protocol.

The “patient type” indicates the type of subject using the corresponding “protocol”, and includes information such as “adult” and “child”. The “protocol name” indicates the name of the corresponding “protocol”. The "number of changes" indicates the number of times the "protocol name" has been changed so far. The “approval date” indicates the date and time when the corresponding protocol was approved.

When the client requesting approval of the “protocol” registers the “protocol” in the protocol management system, the presentation function 354 displays the “protocol” registered in the “approval request list” shown in FIG. 3. Here, when the administrator of the radiology department selects to confirm the requested “protocol”, the presentation function 354 displays various parameters included in the selected “protocol” in a window as shown in FIG. To be displayed at the bottom of.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the presentation function 354 displays a scanning condition parameter “Scan Parameter” and a reconstruction condition parameter “Recon Parameter” in the X-ray CT apparatus. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the parameters “Scan Parameter” of the imaging conditions include “mA”, “EffmA”, “Rotation Time”, “Total Scan Time”, “CTDI”, “DLP”, "Max Scan Range" and the like are included. Further, the parameter “Recon Parameter” of the reconstruction condition includes, for example, “Slice Interval”, “Vari-Area”, etc., as shown in FIG.

The values set by the client for each of these parameters are displayed in “New Created”. The administrator refers to the value of each parameter displayed in “New Created” to determine the necessity of fine adjustment of the value, and when fine adjustment is required, the administrator can finely adjust the parameter value via the input circuit 320. Perform adjustment operation. When the input circuit 320 receives the fine adjustment operation of the parameter value, the presentation function 354 displays the finely adjusted parameter value as “Edited”. In the protocol management system, thereafter, the administrator presses “approval” or “conditional approval” via the input circuit 320 to approve the “protocol” requested for approval. Here, when the "protocol" is approved, the information of the approved "protocol" is transmitted from the medical information processing apparatus 300 to the X-ray CT apparatus and set by the X-ray CT apparatus. If the administrator clicks "Reject", the "Protocol" is not approved. The acquisition function 352 acquires the change content of the parameter value received via the input circuit 320.

When the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment receives such fine adjustment of the parameter value, the medical information processing apparatus 300 provides the administrator with the relevant information related to the finely adjusted parameter value to improve the efficiency of the review. Improve. Specifically, the collection function 353 collects the related information related to the change information from the record information having the record used as the collection condition of the medical image based on the predetermined condition. Specifically, the collection function 353 includes, as the related information, the first related information that is the information of the value related to the changed value of the item included in the collection condition and the information of the item related to the changed item. The certain second related information and the third related information, which is information obtained as a result of collecting the medical images with the first related information as the collecting condition, are collected.

That is, the collection function 353 is the first related information that is the information of the value related to the parameter value after the fine adjustment, and the second related information that is the information of the other parameter that is related to the parameter whose value is finely adjusted. Then, the result when CT images are collected with each parameter value included in the first related information is acquired from the past record information. For example, the collection function 353 acquires related information related to the parameter value acquired by the acquisition function 352 from the parameter record information 341 stored in the storage circuit 340.

An example of the acquisition process by the acquisition function 352 and the collection function by the collection function 353 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an acquisition process by the acquisition function 352 according to the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the collection processing by the collection function 353 according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the acquisition function 352 acquires the parameter change information included in the “approval request protocol: RP0038”. As an example, the acquisition function 352 acquires change information indicating that the value of “parameter name: KVP(0018,0060)” in “approval request protocol: RP0038” has been changed from “150” to “140”. .. The acquisition function 352 can also acquire change information for other parameters whose values have been changed in the “approval request protocol: RP0038”.

The collection function 353 acquires related information related to the change information acquired by the acquisition function 352. Here, the collection function 353 collects related information based on a predetermined condition. Specifically, the collection function 353 determines, in the record information, a value that matches a changed value of an item included in the collection condition, a value that matches a pre-change value, and a collection condition for collecting related information. The first related information is collected by using at least one as the predetermined condition. For example, the collection function 353 may be configured such that, in the record information, a value that matches the value of the change of the item included in the collection condition, a value that matches the value before the change, a value that has the largest number of medical image collections, and a medical image collection time. Of at least one of a value when the dose of the dose is the upper limit, a value used by a predetermined operator, a value based on the number of times of reacquiring collection of medical images, and a value based on the image analysis time for medical images Used as a condition, the first related information is collected.

As an example, when the acquisition function 352 acquires change information indicating that the value of “parameter name: KVP(0018,0060)” is changed from “150” to “140”, the collection function 353 acquires As shown in FIG. 5, the actual result information of “140” in which the value of “parameter name: KVP(0018,0060)” matches the changed value is collected from the actual parameter information 341. That is, the collection function 353 refers to the parameter record information 341 in which the “executed protocol”, the “parameter name”, and the “parameter value” are stored in association with each other for each “examination ID”, and the “parameter name: The "executed protocol" such as "inspection ID: S006" having a value of "KVP(0018,0060)" of "140" is collected.

Here, in the “implemented protocol”, the collection function 353 does not only include the information of other parameters related to “KVP(0018,0060)” in addition to “KVP(0018,0060)” in which the parameter value is changed ( (Second related information) is also collected. For example, the collection function 353 collects “parameter values” for “mA (0018,9330)” and the like in the “executed protocol: DP0136” corresponding to the “examination ID: S006”.

Further, the collection function 353 does not only perform the “executed protocol” in which the “parameter value” has a value that matches the changed value, but also the “executed protocol” that has a value in which the “parameter value” matches the unchanged value. ], “Performed protocol” having the “parameter value” with the largest number of medical image acquisitions, “Performed protocol” having the “parameter value” when the dose at the time of medical image acquisition is the upper limit, predetermined operation The "executed protocol" having the "parameter value" that is frequently used by a person (for example, a skilled technician), the "executed protocol" having the "parameter value" with the highest number of times of recollecting medical images, the medical "Performed protocol" with the minimum "parameter value" for image acquisition, "Permitted protocol" with the shortest "parameter value" for image analysis time for medical images, longest image analysis time for medical images The performance information such as “implemented protocol” having “parameter value” of is collected.

Furthermore, the collection function 353 collects at least one of the medical image corresponding to the first related information, the image quality of the medical image, and the dose value corresponding to the first related information in the record information as the third related information. To do. Specifically, the collection function 353 further collects the CT image actually collected using each parameter value collected from the record information (parameter record information 341), the image quality of the CT image, and the dose value at that time. For example, the collection function 353 collects the inspection image and the dose value of the “examination ID: S006” from the image information 342 and the dose information 343 using the “examination ID: S006” of the collected “executed protocol” as a key. That is, the collection function 353 collects the “examination image” associated with the “examination ID: S006, patient ID: P006” from the image information 342 shown in FIG. 2B. Further, the collection function 353 uses the dose information CT 343 shown in FIG. 2C to associate “dose value CTDIvol(mGy):400” and “dose value DLP(mGy·mGy·m) with the “examination ID: S006, patient ID: P006”. cm): 600". The collection function 353 can also collect image quality information from the image information 342.

Similarly, the collection function 353 collects CT images and dose values corresponding to the other collected “parameter values”. The collecting function 353 can collect various kinds of information as the related information in addition to the first related information, the second related information, and the third related information. For example, the collection function 353 can further collect at least one of the image quality of a medical image, information about a contrast agent, information about a disease, information about a subject, and an operation log as related information.

Returning to FIG. 1, the presentation function 354 presents the change information in association with the related information. Specifically, the presentation function 354 presents the parameter value change information acquired by the acquisition function 352 and the related information collected by the collection function 353 in association with each other. For example, the presentation function 354 presents the change information in association with the first related information (parameter value), the CT image, and the dose value. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display information displayed by the presentation function 354 according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the presentation function 354 includes a “parameter value” of “parameter name: KVP”, a “representative image”, a “dose value CTDIvol(mGy)”, and a “dose value DLP(mGy. The display information is displayed on the display 330 in which the information of the parameter value after the change (after the fine adjustment) is associated with the information associated with “(cm)”. That is, the presentation function 354 associates the information of each parameter value collected by the collection function 353 with the information of the CT image and the dose value corresponding thereto, and the “parameter value” of the “parameter name: KVP”, Information in which “representative image”, “dose value CTDIvol(mGy)”, and “dose value DLP(mGy·cm)” are associated with each other is generated. Then, the presentation function 354 generates a display image in which the “parameter value” after fine adjustment is associated with the generated information, and displays the display image on the display 330.

For example, when the “parameter value” of “KVP” is changed to “140” in the protocol management system, the presenting function 354 causes the “parameter value: 120, 135” of “parameter name: KVP” as shown in FIG. , 140, 143, 150”, the “representative image”, the “dose value CTDIvol (mGy)”, and the “dose value DLP (mGy·cm)” are associated with each other, and the “fine-adjusted parameter value” is Display information indicating “140” (information indicated by an inverted triangle in the figure) is displayed by being superimposed on the display screen (window) in the protocol management system. The display information indicating the “parameter value after fine adjustment” is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be the case where an arrow or the like is used. Alternatively, for example, the color may be changed only in the area “140” to indicate that “140” is the “finely adjusted parameter value”.

This allows the administrator to refer to the displayed information to determine what the "parameter value" is after the change (after fine adjustment), and review the protocol efficiently. It can be carried out. That is, the administrator can determine whether or not a desired image can be obtained with the changed parameter value. In addition, the administrator can determine how much the dose value will be with the changed parameter value. For reviewing the protocol, for example, a technician who operates an X-ray CT apparatus to collect CT images, an image interpreting doctor, or the like participates. For example, the technician seeks a protocol that reduces the dose value as much as possible to reduce the exposure dose of the subject. On the other hand, the radiologist asks for a protocol by which CT images that are easy to read are collected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, by displaying the “representative image” and the “dose value” in association with each parameter value, it is possible to select the optimum parameter value that meets those needs.

The “representative image” can be arbitrarily selected from the respective parameter values. For example, when a plurality of implemented protocols whose “parameter value” is “140” in the actual result information are collected, the presentation function 354 performs the closest implementation to the protocol in which the parameters are finely adjusted among the implemented protocols. The CT image acquired by the completed protocol is selected as the representative image. The presentation function 354 can also arbitrarily select the “representative image” from a plurality of CT images acquired in the same performed protocol.

Further, the "representative image" included in the display information is not limited to one, and an arbitrary number of CT images can be displayed. In this case, for example, the presentation function 354 can simultaneously display a plurality of CT images in the display area of the “representative image”. Alternatively, the presentation function 354, for example, allows the operator (the administrator who participated in the review of the protocol) to operate the display area of the “representative image” via the input circuit 320 so that the displayed CT image is switched. It can also be displayed on.

As described above, the presentation function 354 causes the display 330 to display the display information in which the “parameter value”, the “representative image”, and the “dose value” are associated with each other. Here, the display information shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and can be displayed in various other forms. Specifically, the presentation function 354 analyzes the tendency in the performance information for at least one related information among the first related information, the second related information, and the third related information, and further correlates the analysis result with each other. Present. The presentation function 354 analyzes the tendency based on a predetermined analysis condition. For example, the presentation function 354 uses, as the tendency, at least one of a usage frequency used as a collection condition, an analysis accuracy in analysis of a medical image, and an analysis time. 7A to 7E are diagrams showing variations of display information displayed by the presentation function 354 according to the first embodiment.

For example, the presentation function 354 can present display information indicating the frequency of use of each parameter value. As an example, the presentation function 354 can present display information in which numerical values are color-coded according to the frequency of use. For example, the presenting function 354 indicates, in the parameter values shown in FIG. 7A, the numerical values corresponding to the frequently used parameter values (135, 140, 143) in “green”, and the “orange” as the used frequency decreases. "," red "indicates a numerical value. With this, the administrator can determine at a glance that the parameter values (120, 150) of low use frequency indicated by “orange” or “red” are not appropriate values. Note that the presentation function 354 not only indicates the difference in the usage frequency by color, but also changes the display form of the numerical values corresponding to the frequently used parameter values (135, 140, 143) as shown in FIG. 7A, for example. Display information can also be displayed.

Further, the presentation function 354 can also display display information in which a graph showing the frequency of use is combined with a table showing each parameter value, a representative image corresponding to it, and a dose value, as shown in FIG. 7B, for example. Here, in the graph in FIG. 7B, the vertical axis represents the number of tests and the horizontal axis represents the parameter value. The parameter value on the horizontal axis corresponds to each parameter value in the table below the graph. The presentation function 354 displays the display information colored in the graph according to the number of inspections actually performed. For example, the presentation function 354 sets a predetermined threshold value for the number of examinations (for example, the number of examinations: 20), and changes the color of the graph corresponding to the parameter value (135, 140, 143) when the number of examinations exceeds the predetermined threshold value. Display in different colors.

In addition, the presentation function 354 may rearrange and display the display information illustrated in FIG. 7B in order of frequency of use. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the presentation function 354 shows the “parameter value: 143” having the largest number of examinations at the left end and arranges the graph, the parameter value, and the representative image so that the examinations are arranged from left to right in descending order. , The display information in which the position of the dose value is changed is displayed on the display 330.

Further, the presentation function 354 can display the display information in which the “representative image” is changed to the image-processed image, as shown in FIG. 7D, for example. For example, the presentation function 354 displays display information in which an image such as a CPR (Curved Planar Reformation) image or a perfusion image is set as a “representative image”.

Furthermore, the presentation function 354 can display display information including information regarding image analysis, as shown in FIG. 7E, for example. Here, in the graph in FIG. 7E, the left vertical axis shows “analysis accuracy (%)”, the right vertical axis shows “analysis time (sec)”, and the horizontal axis shows parameter values. The parameter value on the horizontal axis indicates each parameter value in the table below the graph. That is, each point in the graph of analysis accuracy and analysis time shown in FIG. 7E is “parameter value: 143”, “parameter value: 140”, “parameter value: 135”, “parameter value: 150”, “ Parameter value: 120". For example, as shown in FIG. 7E, the presentation function 354 includes a graph of analysis time, which is the time required for analysis (image processing) of the image shown in “representative image”, and a graph showing analysis accuracy showing the success rate of analysis. Is displayed on the display 330.

As described above, the presentation function 354 presents the display information in which the “parameter value”, the “representative image”, and the “dose value” are associated with each other. Here, the display information shown in FIGS. 6 to 7E is merely an example, and the embodiment is not limited to this. Hereinafter, a modification of the display information will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9. 8A, 8B, and 9 are diagrams illustrating modified examples of display information displayed by the presentation function 354 according to the first embodiment. Note that, in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9, the case where the parameter value of the KVP after the fine adjustment is “160” will be described as an example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the presentation function 354 generates a frequency distribution of parameter values in the performance information collected by the collection function 353, and associates the generated frequency distribution with the parameter value “160” after fine adjustment. The displayed display information is displayed on the display 330. Here, as shown in FIG. 8A, the presentation function 354 associates the CT image corresponding to “KVP=160” in the collected record information with the dose value at the time of collecting the CT image with the frequency distribution. Display information is displayed.

Here, the presentation function 354 can display a CT image and a dose value at an arbitrary position in the frequency distribution. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the presentation function 354 displays display information in which CT images and dose values corresponding to KVP parameter values at various positions in the frequency distribution are associated with the frequency distribution. The position at which the CT image and the dose value are displayed can be arbitrarily designated by an observer (administrator who reviews the protocol) who observes the display information. For example, the administrator can display the corresponding CT image and dose value by operating the input circuit 320 to specify the most frequent position.

In the example of the display information described above, the case where the “parameter value” is one of “KVP” has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may be a case where display information regarding a plurality of parameter values is displayed, for example. In such a case, first, the collection function 353 causes the record information to combine the medical image corresponding to the combination of the first related information and the second related information and the combination of the first related information and the second related information. At least one of the dose values corresponding to is collected as the third related information.

For example, the acquisition function 352 collects the parameter value “160” of “KVP” after the change and the parameter value “210” of “mA” changed due to the change of the “KVP”. The collecting function 353 collects the “implemented protocol” associated with the parameter value “160” of “KVP” and the parameter value “210” of “mA”. That is, the collection function 353 is based on the “executed protocol” based on the above-described predetermined condition regarding the parameter value “160” of “KVP” and based on the above-described predetermined condition regarding the parameter value “210” of “mA”. Collect "Performed Protocol" respectively. Then, the collection function 353 collects the CT image and the dose value corresponding to the “executed protocol” collected for each parameter.

The presentation function 354 generates, for example, the display information illustrated in FIG. 9 for “KVP” and “mA” and causes the display 330 to display the display information. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the presentation function 354 shows “KVP” on the vertical axis and “KVP” on the horizontal axis for “KVP” and “mA” of each “executed protocol” collected by the collection function 353. A distribution map showing "mA" is generated. Then, the presentation function 354 generates display information in which the changed parameter value “160” of “KVP” and the parameter value “210” of “mA” are associated with the distribution map, and displays the display information on the display 330. Further, the presentation function 354 can also associate the CT image and the dose value with each point indicating the “executed protocol”.

As a result, the administrator can review the protocol in consideration of a plurality of parameters, and can further improve the review efficiency. For example, the administrator refers to the display information of FIG. 9 and selects the “completed protocol” “closed” from the position (position where straight lines in the figure intersect) of the protocol after changing “KVP” and “mA”. "KVP" and "mA" can be selected as the optimum parameter values. Alternatively, the administrator can select "KVP" and "mA" of any of the "implemented protocols" having a dense distribution as optimum parameter values. The display information shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example, and the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the display information shown in FIGS. 6 to 7E may be associated with different parameters.

The processing functions of the processing circuit 350 have been described above. Here, for example, each processing function described above is stored in the storage circuit 340 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 350 reads out each program from the storage circuit 340 and executes each read program to realize a processing function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 350 in the state where each program is read out has the processing functions shown in FIG.

Note that FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which each processing function is realized by the single processing circuit 350, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 350 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may realize each processing function by executing each program. Further, each processing function of the processing circuit 350 may be implemented by being appropriately dispersed or integrated into a single or a plurality of processing circuits.

Next, a procedure of processing by the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. 10 to 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure by the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 10 shows a process of accepting a parameter value change, and step S101 in FIG. 10 is realized by, for example, the processing circuit 350 calling a program corresponding to the control function 351 from the storage circuit 340 and executing the program. It Further, step S102 is realized by, for example, the processing circuit 350 calling a program corresponding to the presentation function 354 from the storage circuit 340 and executing the program. Further, step S103 is realized by, for example, the processing circuit 350 calling a program corresponding to the acquisition function 352 from the storage circuit 340 and executing the program.

FIG. 11 shows a process of collecting the record information, and steps S201 to S207 in FIG. 11 are realized by, for example, the processing circuit 350 calling a program corresponding to the collecting function 353 from the storage circuit 340 and executing the program. FIG. 12 shows the collection processing of the record information and the generation of the display information. In steps S301 and S304 in FIG. 12, for example, the processing circuit 350 calls the program corresponding to the collection function 353 from the storage circuit 340 and executes the program. Will be realized. Further, steps S302, 303, and 305 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 350 calling a program corresponding to the presentation function 354 from the storage circuit 340 and executing the program. FIG. 13 shows display of display information, and steps S401 to S404 in FIG. 13 are realized by, for example, the processing circuit 350 calling a program corresponding to the presentation function 354 from the storage circuit 340 and executing the program.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, the processing circuit 350 first accepts the selection of the protocol to be approved via the input circuit 320 (step S101). Then, the processing circuit 350 displays the parameter value of the selected protocol on the display 330 (step S102). Then, the processing circuit 350 receives the fine adjustment of the parameter value via the input circuit 320 (step S103).

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in the medical information processing apparatus 300, the processing circuit 350 accesses the parameter record information 341 (step S201). Then, the processing circuit 350 determines the target parameter value after the fine adjustment (step S202), and acquires the executed protocol with which the parameter value matches from the parameter record information 341 (step S203). Subsequently, the processing circuit 350 checks the collection condition (step S204), and acquires the executed protocol having the parameter value that matches the collection condition from the parameter record information 341 (step S205).

Then, the processing circuit 350 determines whether or not there is another collection condition (step S206). If there are other collection conditions (Yes at step S206), the processing circuit 350 returns to step S204 to check the collection conditions. On the other hand, when there is no other collection condition (No at Step S206), the processing circuit 350 determines whether or not the processing is completed for all the parameter values after the fine adjustment (Step S207). Here, when the processing has not been completed for all the parameter values after the fine adjustment (No at Step S207), the processing circuit 350 returns to Step S202 to determine the target parameter value after the fine adjustment. On the other hand, when the processing is completed for all the parameter values after the fine adjustment (Yes in step S207), the processing circuit 350 ends the collection processing of the record information.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 12, in the medical information processing apparatus 300, the processing circuit 350 acquires the CT image obtained by the relevant protocol from the image information 342 using the examination ID of the performed protocol as a key ( In step S301), a representative image is determined from the acquired CT image (step S302). Then, the processing circuit 350 merges the executed protocol and the image data (representative image) that have been collected (step S303). Further, the processing circuit 350 acquires the dose value obtained by the relevant protocol from the dose information 343 using the examination ID of the performed protocol as a key (step S304), and merges the protocol/image data and the collected dose. The value data is further merged (step S305).

Then, as shown in FIG. 13, in the medical information processing apparatus 300, the processing circuit 350 reads the merged information (step S401) and displays the read data on a UI (User Interface) to be displayed (step S402). Further, the processing circuit 350 determines whether or not there is a display condition (step S403). Here, if there is a display condition (Yes at Step S403), the processing circuit 350 updates the data (changes the display information) according to the display condition (Step S404), and displays the parameter change information in association with each other. On the other hand, if there is a display condition (No at Step S403), the processing circuit 350 displays the read data in association with the parameter change information.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the acquisition function 352 acquires the change information indicating the change of the item included in the medical image acquisition condition. The collection function 353 collects related information related to the change information from the record information having the record used as the collection condition of the medical image based on the predetermined condition. The presentation function 354 presents the change information in association with the related information. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to the related information related to the changed parameter value, and can efficiently review the protocol.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the collecting function 353 uses, as the related information, the first related information that is the value information related to the changed value of the item included in the collection condition and the changed item. Second related information, which is information on related items, and third related information, which is information obtained as a result of collecting medical images with the first related information as a collection condition, are collected. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to various related information, and can review the protocol more efficiently.

In addition, according to the first embodiment, the collection function 353 determines that the actual information includes a value that matches a changed value of an item included in the collection condition, a value that matches a pre-changed value, and a medical image collection count. Based on the maximum value, the value when the dose at the time of collecting medical images is the upper limit, the value used by a predetermined operator, the value based on the number of retries of collecting medical images, and the image analysis time for medical images At least one of the values is used as the predetermined condition to collect the first related information. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can collect a wide range of related information about the changed parameter value, and can refer to various related information.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the collection function 353 sets at least one of the medical image corresponding to the first related information and the dose value corresponding to the first related information in the record information to the third value. Collect as relevant information. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to the image and the dose value in the executed protocol, and can provide appropriate information for reviewing the protocol.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the collection function 353 uses the medical information corresponding to the combination of the first related information and the second related information, the first related information, and the second related information in the performance information. At least one of the dose values corresponding to the combination with the information is collected as the third related information. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to composite information regarding a plurality of parameters, and can perform an appropriate review.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the collection function 353 collects the medical image corresponding to the first related information and the dose value corresponding to the first related information in the record information as the third related information. .. The presentation function 354 presents the change information in association with the first related information, the medical image, and the dose value. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to the image and the dose value in the executed protocol, and can provide appropriate information for reviewing the protocol.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the presentation function 354 analyzes and analyzes the tendency in the performance information for at least one related information item among the first related information item, the second related information item, and the third related information item. The results are further associated and presented. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to the tendency of the parameter value in the implemented protocol to be used, and can more efficiently review the protocol. To

Further, according to the first embodiment, the presentation function 354 uses at least one of the usage frequency used as the collection condition, the analysis accuracy in the analysis on the medical image, and the analysis time as the tendency. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to the usage tendency of the parameter value in the implemented protocol and the information regarding the analysis, and can more efficiently implement the review of the protocol. To do.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the collecting function 353 further sets at least one of the image quality of the medical image, the information about the contrast agent, the information about the disease, the information about the subject, and the operation log as the related information. collect. The presentation function 354 further presents the related information collected by the collection function 353 in association with each other. Therefore, the medical information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment can refer to various types of information regarding the implemented protocol, and can provide display information that meets the needs of the administrator.

(Second embodiment)
Now, the first embodiment has been described so far, but it may be implemented in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the parameter record information 341, the image information 342, and the dose information 343 are separately stored has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a case where the parameter record information, the image information, and the dose information are stored in association with each other. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage circuit 340 according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the storage circuit 340 stores an “examination ID”, a “patient ID”, an “approved protocol”, an “executed protocol”, a “dose value (DLP)”, and a “dose value (DLP)”. Information associated with "image" is stored. In this case, the control function 351 associates each piece of information acquired from the X-ray CT apparatus or the image archiving apparatus 200 with the “examination ID” as a key, as shown in FIG. 14, and stores it in the storage circuit 340.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the display information in which the CT image and the dose value are associated with the parameter value is generated has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image quality (quantitative value) of a medical image, information regarding a contrast agent (for example, contrast agent name, type, injection amount, etc.), information regarding a disease, and a subject The information (history history, side effect information, etc.) and the operation log may generate display information associated with the parameter value.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the parameter value of the protocol in the X-ray CT apparatus is changed has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may be a case where the parameter value of the collection condition in another modality such as the MRI apparatus is changed, for example. In this case, the medical information processing apparatus 300 collects the implemented protocols from the modalities that use the protocols whose parameter values have been changed.

Further, the above-described embodiment has been described by taking the case where the medical information processing apparatus 300 stores the record information in the storage circuit 340 as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the record information of each modality is stored in the external storage device, and the medical information processing apparatus 300 acquires the record information of the modality for which the protocol is reviewed. This may be the case.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the protocol is reviewed using the protocol management system has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the protocol may be reviewed without using the protocol management system, for example.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the protocol management system is applied to the medical information processing apparatus 300 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the protocol is reviewed in an external device to which the protocol management system is applied, and the medical information processing apparatus 300 acquires and displays the information regarding the review of the protocol. The display information may be provided to the administrator by generating the information and transmitting the generated display information to the external device.

Further, the word “processor” used in the description of each of the above-described embodiments refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A circuit such as a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). Means Here, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 340, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Further, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to a case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits are combined to be configured as one processor, and the functions thereof may be realized. Good.

Here, the program executed by the processor is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage unit, or the like. Note that this program is a file in a format that can be installed or executed in these devices, and is a CD (Compact Disk)-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. Further, this program may be provided or distributed by being stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and being downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each functional unit. As actual hardware, the CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes the program to load each module onto the main storage device and generate it on the main storage device.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to efficiently review the acquisition conditions for medical images.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples 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 modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and the gist of the invention.

300 Medical Information Processing Device 350 Processing Circuit 351 Control Function 352 Acquisition Function 353 Collection Function 354 Presentation Function

Claims (9)

An acquisition unit that acquires change information indicating a change in the condition set for an item included in the generation condition regarding generation of a medical image,
Based on a predetermined condition, a collection unit for collecting the relevant information from the storage unit for storing the record information having the utilized proven generation condition of the medical image, a record information relating to the change information,
A presentation unit that presents the change information in association with the related information,
A medical information processing apparatus comprising: The collecting unit, as the related information, is first related information that is information about a value related to a changed value of an item included in the generation condition, and second information that is information about an item related to the changed item. 2. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the related information of No. 3 and the third related information, which is information of a result when the medical image is generated with the first related information as a generation condition, are collected. The collection unit, in the record information, the value that matches the value of the changed items included in the generated condition, the value that matches the value before the change, and of collecting condition for collecting the relevant information at least The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one is used as the predetermined condition to collect the first related information. In the performance information, the collecting unit determines at least one of a medical image corresponding to the first related information, an image quality of the medical image, and a dose value corresponding to the first related information as the third related information. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 3, which is collected as information. The collection unit corresponds to a medical image corresponding to a combination of the first related information and the second related information and a combination of the first related information and the second related information in the performance information. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the dose values to be collected is collected as the third related information. The collecting unit collects, as the third related information, a medical image corresponding to the first related information and a dose value corresponding to the first related information in the record information.
The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the presenting unit presents the change information in association with the first related information, the medical image, and the dose value. The presenting unit analyzes the tendency in the performance information for at least one relevant information among the first relevant information, the second relevant information, and the third relevant information, and presents the analysis result in further correspondence. The medical information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the presentation unit analyzes the tendency based on a predetermined analysis condition. The collecting unit further collects at least one of information about a contrast agent, information about a disease, information about a subject, and an operation log as the relevant information,
The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit presents the related information collected by the collecting unit in association with each other.

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