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Use of 3D imaging in CT of the acute trauma patient: impact of a PACS-based software package

Emergency Radiology volume 11, pages 173–176 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of a picture archiving and communication systems (PACS)–based software package on the requests for 3D reconstructions of multidetector CT (MDCT) data sets in the emergency radiology of a level 1 trauma center, we reviewed the number and type of physician requests for 3D reconstructions of MDCT data sets for patients admitted after sustaining multiple trauma, during a 12-month period (January 2003–December 2003). During the first 5 months of the study, 3D reconstructions were performed in dedicated workstations located separately from the emergency radiology CT interpretation area. During the last 7 months of the study, reconstructions were performed online by the attending radiologist or resident on duty, using a software package directly incorporated into the PACS workstations. The mean monthly number of 3D reconstructions requested during the two time periods was compared using Student’s t test. The monthly mean ± SD of 3D reconstructions performed before and after 3D software incorporation into the PACS was 34±7 (95% CI, 10–58) and 132±31 (95% CI, 111–153), respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). In the multiple trauma patient, implementation of PACS-integrated software increases utilization of 3D reconstructions of MDCT data sets.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Jorge A. Soto, Brian C. Lucey, Joshua W. Stuhlfaut & Jose C. Varghese

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  1. Jorge A. Soto
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  2. Brian C. Lucey
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  3. Joshua W. Stuhlfaut
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  4. Jose C. Varghese
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Correspondence to Jorge A. Soto.

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Soto, J.A., Lucey, B.C., Stuhlfaut, J.W. et al. Use of 3D imaging in CT of the acute trauma patient: impact of a PACS-based software package. Emerg Radiol 11, 173–176 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-004-0384-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-004-0384-x

Keywords

  • Multidetector row CT
  • PACS
  • Three-dimensional CT
  • Trauma