Biomedical subjects

P G Mutalik

Publications and source records attributed to P G Mutalik.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Voice-activated retrieval of mammography reference images.

We undertook this project to integrate context sensitive computer-based educational and decision making aids into the film interpretation and reporting process, and to determine the clinical utility of this method as a guide for further system development. An image database of 347 digital mammography images was assembled and image features were coded. An interface was developed to a computerized speech recognition radiology reporting system which was modified to translate reported findings into database search terms. These observations were used to formulate database search strategies which not only retrieved similar cases from the image database, but also other cases that were related to the index case in different ways. The search results were organized into image sets intended to address common questions that arise during image interpretation. An evaluation of the clinical utility of this method was performed as a guide for further system development. We found that voice dictation of prototypical mammographic cases resulted in automatic retrieval of reference images. The retrieved images were organized into sets matching findings, diagnostic hypotheses, diagnosis, spectrum of findings or diagnoses, closest match to dictated case, or user specified parameters. Two mammographers graded the clinical utility of each form of system output. We concluded that case specific and problem specific image sets may be automatically generated from spoken case dictation. A potentially large number of retrieved images may be divided into subsets which anticipate common clinical problems. This automatic method of context sensitive image retrieval may provide a "continuous" form of education integrated into routine case interpretation.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed1991

The prospect of expert system-based cognitive support as a by-product of image acquisition and reporting.

In order for computer-based decision-support tools to find routine use in the everyday practice of clinical radiology, further development of user interface and knowledge content are required. In an ideal interface, the interaction between the radiologist and the computer would be minimized and painlessly integrated into existing work patterns. In this article, we explore some of the ways that pre-existing computer interactions in the processes of image acquisition and reporting can be used to feed case information into an expert system and thereby allow users to acquire advice from it in an automatic fashion. We describe interface models that we have developed in the domains of mammography and obstetric ultrasound, and discuss interface and content-related questions that have arisen from informal evaluations of these systems. In particular, the need for clinical outcome-relevant decision support and training level-appropriate decision support are discussed in detail.

Expert Systems↗

PubMed1990

Knowledge-based radiologic image retrieval using axes of clinical relevance.

This paper describes an approach to computer-based intelligent retrieval of feature-coded radiographic images relevant to a specific case being evaluated. The approach involves partitioning the search space along clinically natural groups of attributes which we call "axes of clinical relevance." By embedding knowledge about the domain to help direct the search process, a clinician's needs may be met more comprehensively. Domain knowledge, supplied to the system as "axis heuristics," may make search more robust. These heuristics provide a graded, progressive relaxation of the search constraints. This approach helps show the user groups of images in order of probable relevance to a current case. AXON is a prototype knowledge-based system constructed to illustrate this approach in the domain of chest imaging. This paper describes the AXON system, demonstrates some searches which illustrate the potential utility of this approach, and discusses preliminary tests of the search strategies used by AXON.

Expert Systems↗

PubMed1989

Expert system-controlled image display.

Conventional computer-based medical expert systems deliver advice to physicians as written text. While such advice is useful, it has distinct limitations in a visually oriented discipline such as diagnostic radiology, in which decisions often depend on pattern recognition and appreciation of subtle morphologic features. The authors developed a prototype expert computer system, IMAGE/ICON, which displays groups of images sorted into a series of axes based on different ways in which they may be similar. They may share a common feature, group of features, causes, or clinical setting. IMAGE/ICON may display examples of morphologic variations of a dominant finding or a spectrum of abnormalities seen in an specific disease or group of diseases. The system also assembles a written analysis of key features of a case. Such a tool may be useful as a diagnostic aid or for continuing medical education. It is likely to have particular impact in the form of an intelligent radiologic workstation, as picture archiving and communication systems become available.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

PubMed1985

Behavioral scoring using programmable calculators: a technique usable in the field.

A simple method of recording the time spent in various behavioral categories during behavioral scoring is described. Use is made of a programmable calculator which is made to function as a multiple timer, keeping track of each of the categories. Any number of mutually exclusive categories can be scored using a single key press, by assigning a pre-set code to each. A print-out of the analysed frequency or duration data can be obtained either concurrently or at any time after the experiment, as required. The least count of the technique is about 1-2 seconds and this precludes its use for extremely rapidly changing behaviors. Apart from this, it is convenient, time-saving and especially suitable for field use.

Computers↗