JP2009066060A - Medical image system, finding report generator, finding report generation method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a doctor from overlooking a disease other than a target of examination when the doctor reads the image of the target of examination and prepares a finding report. <P>SOLUTION: PACS 30 performs an automatic measurement for medical image data and generates a numerical report information irrespective of a target of image reading by the doctor. A finding report generator 40 receives the numerical report information from the PACS 30. The finding report generator 40 automatically generates a finding report for the received numerical report information and generates finding report information. The finding report generator 40 transmits the finding report information to a distribution server 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image system, an observation report generation apparatus, an observation report generation method, and a program.

  In the medical field, a photographed image (medical image) obtained by photographing a patient is digitized and handled. Specifically, digital image data is generated using a medical imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “modality”) such as a CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, or an MR (Magnetic Resonance) apparatus.

  This digital image data is in a data format conforming to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard, and includes image data of a medical image and incidental information related to the image data. Hereinafter, this digital image data is referred to as medical image data.

  The generated medical image data is stored and managed by an image server (medical image management apparatus) called PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System for medical application).

  In recent years, along with the digitization of medical images, geometrical image measurement such as measurement of the cardiothoracic ratio of the medical image and measurement of the lateral spine degree of the medical image has been automated.

  Further, a report (hereinafter referred to as a finding report) showing findings on the results of geometric image measurement or the like is created by the interpretation doctor.

It also searches past interpretation reports (findings reports), information from the medical image diagnosis support device for extracting abnormal candidate shadows included in images, and definitive diagnosis information based on pathological examination results, Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-155002 A

  By the way, with the digitization of medical images, the number of medical images per day that an interpreting doctor interprets has been increasing. Therefore, the interpretation doctor performs interpretation for a specific examination purpose (for example, interpretation of the cardiothoracic ratio to prevent heart failure) on a specific area (for example, the chest or abdomen) of the image to be interpreted. When creating, it is difficult to reach the area where you are not interested, and you may overlook a serious disease.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is that when an interpreting doctor performs interpretation for a specific examination purpose and creates a finding report, the examination object is excluded. The present invention provides a medical image system, an observation report generation device, an observation report generation method, and a program that can prevent oversight of diseases.

In order to solve the above problem, a medical image system according to claim 1 is provided.
The inspection numerical value report generation device and the observation report generation device each having communication means are connected to each other via a communication network,
The inspection numerical report generation device includes:
A test numerical value related to a disease other than the test purpose is automatically measured among the captured images of the patient's test site, and a test numerical report is generated. The captured image and the test numerical report are associated with each other, and the independent data First control means for transmitting to the communication means,
The finding report generator is
The communication means automatically generates an observation report for the inspection numerical value report received via the communication means, associates the inspection numerical value report and the observation report with each other, and associates the observation report with data independent of the inspection numerical value report. Second control means for transmitting to
Is provided.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The second control unit displays the finding report and the captured image received via the communication unit on a display screen, and when an operation signal is input from an operation unit, based on the operation signal, Update the findings report displayed on the display screen.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The first control unit associates the captured image with the examination numerical report based on incidental information attached to each.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second control means associates the inspection numerical value report with the finding report based on incidental information attached to each.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The second control means automatically generates a finding report only when the inspection numerical value satisfies a predetermined condition.

The observation report generating apparatus according to claim 6 is:
A communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device;
Automatically generate findings reports for test numerical reports on diseases outside the test objectives of the patient's test site
Control means for associating the inspection numerical report and the finding report with each other and transmitting the finding report to the communication means as data independent of the inspection numerical report;
Is provided.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6,
The control means displays the finding report and the photographed image on a display screen, and when an operation signal is input from an operation unit, the finding displayed on the display screen based on the operation signal. Update the report.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7,
The control means associates the inspection numerical value report and the finding report based on incidental information attached to each.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The control means automatically generates a finding report only when the inspection numerical value satisfies a predetermined condition.

The finding report generation method according to claim 10 is:
Automatically generate findings reports for test numerical reports on diseases outside the test objectives of the patient's test site
The inspection numerical report and the finding report are associated with each other, and the finding report is transmitted to an external device as data independent of the inspection numerical report.

The program according to claim 11 is:
Computer
A communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device,
Automatically generate findings reports for test numerical reports on diseases outside of the test objectives, taken from the patient's test site,
Control means for associating the inspection numerical report and the finding report with each other and transmitting the finding report to the communication means as data independent of the inspection numerical report;
To function as.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically generate and output a finding report for a test numerical report relating to a disease other than the test purpose in the captured image of the patient's test site, thereby suppressing the detection or oversight of the disease other than the test purpose. Contribute to

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration of medical imaging system]
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of the medical image system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image system 100 includes an RIS (Radiological Information System) 10, a modality 20, a PACS 30, an observation report generator 40, and a distribution server 50. Each device is connected via a communication network N so that data communication is possible.

  The RIS 10 is configured by a computer having a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, a communication unit, and the like, and performs information management such as medical appointment reservation, diagnosis result report, results management, and material inventory management in the radiology department. . The RIS 10 accepts registration of an inspection order input from an electronic medical record terminal (not shown) or the like. Then, based on the registered inspection order, inspection order information is generated and transmitted to the modality 20.

  The examination order information is data indicating the contents of the examination order for imaging and diagnosis, and includes patient information, examination information, and series information. The patient information is data set for each patient, such as the reception number, name, patient ID, and sex of the patient to be photographed. The examination information is data indicating examination conditions such as an examination ID for identifying an examination ordered by a doctor, a procedure, an examination site, an imaging direction, and a body position. The series information is data including a series UID that indicates a unit (series) of a series of medical images for each modality 20 generated in one examination and a type (modality type) of the modality 20.

  The modality 20 is a medical imaging apparatus that images a patient and generates image data of a captured image (medical image). As the modality 20, modalities for photographing various types of medical images, such as a CR apparatus, a CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, an endoscope apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, can be applied.

  Based on the examination order information received from the RIS 10, the modality 20 generates incidental information having various information (patient information, examination information, series information, etc.) regarding the image data of the generated medical image. Then, the supplementary information is added to the image data, and medical image data conforming to the DICOM standard is generated.

  FIG. 2 shows a data structure of medical image data (hereinafter referred to as a medical image data object) corresponding to image data of one medical image. As described above, the medical image data object includes image data of one medical image and incidental information related to the image data. The incidental information includes patient information, examination information, series information, and the like.

  The modality 20 transmits medical image data to the PACS 30.

  The PACS 30 is a medical image management apparatus that stores and manages medical image data and numerical report information. The PACS 30 transmits corresponding medical image data and numerical report information to the finding report generation device 40 in response to the interpretation data acquisition request transmitted from the finding report generation device 40. Further, the PACS 30 transmits the corresponding numerical report information to the finding report generation device 40 in response to the past numerical report acquisition request transmitted from the finding report generation device 40.

  The PACS 30 performs automatic measurement processing on the image data included in the medical image data received from the modality 20, and generates numerical report actual data that is information on the inspection numerical report regarding the medical image. Then, incidental information including various information (patient information, examination information, series information, and the like) related to the generated numerical report actual data is generated based on incidental information included in the medical image data. Then, the generated incidental information is added to the actual numerical report data to generate numerical report information in accordance with the DICOM standard. In addition, the PACS 30 associates medical image data and numerical report information using each supplementary information. Then, the numerical report is saved. Details of the automatic measurement process and the actual numerical report data will be described later.

  FIG. 3 shows a data structure of numerical report information (hereinafter referred to as a numerical report information object) corresponding to inspection numerical report information (numerical report actual data) in one automatic measurement process. As described above, the numerical report information object includes inspection numerical report information (numerical report actual data) in one automatic measurement process and incidental information regarding the numerical report actual data. The incidental information includes patient information, examination information, series information, and the like.

  The finding report generation device 40 is a device that displays a medical image or the like based on the received medical image data, generates finding report information based on the received numerical report information, or the like.

  The finding report generation device 40 transmits an interpretation data acquisition request to the PACS 30, and acquires medical image data and numerical report information stored in the PACS 30. In addition, the finding report generation device 40 transmits a past numerical report acquisition request to the PACS 30 and acquires numerical report information stored in the PACS 30.

  The finding report generation device 40 performs the finding report automatic generation processing on the numerical report actual data included in the numerical report information received from the PACS 30, and generates the finding report actual data that is the finding report information for the examination numerical report. And the incidental information which has various information (patient information, test | inspection information, series information, etc.) regarding the produced | generated observation report actual data based on the incidental information etc. contained in numerical report information is produced | generated. And the incidental information produced | generated to the said finding report actual data is added, and finding report information according to DICOM specification is produced | generated. In addition, the finding report generation device 40 associates the numerical report information and the finding report information with each supplementary information. Then, the finding report information is transmitted to the distribution server 50. In addition, the said finding report may be updated by user operation etc. in the finding report production | generation apparatus 40. FIG.

  Further, the finding report generation device 40 transmits the medical image data and numerical report information received from the PACS 30 to the distribution server 50.

  FIG. 4 shows a data structure of finding report information (hereinafter referred to as finding report information object) corresponding to finding report information (finding report actual data) generated in one finding report automatic generation process. As described above, the finding report information object is composed of finding report information (finding report actual data) generated in one finding report automatic generation process and incidental information related to the finding report actual data. The incidental information includes patient information, examination information, series information, and the like.

  The interpretation doctor refers to the medical image displayed on the finding report generation device 40 and adds or changes the finding to the finding report generated by the finding report automatic generation process (updates the finding report).

  The distribution server 50 is a medical image distribution apparatus that distributes medical images, findings reports on the medical images, and the like to an electronic medical record terminal (not shown). The distribution server 50 receives and stores medical image data, numerical report information, and finding report information from the finding report generation device 40.

  In response to an acquisition request from the electronic medical record terminal, the distribution server 50 transmits a medical image based on the medical image data and a finding report based on the finding report information to the electronic medical record terminal.

[Functional configuration of modality]
FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration of the modality 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the modality 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 25, a storage unit 26, a photographing unit 27, and the like. Are connected by a bus 28.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 21 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 25, develops them in a work area formed in the RAM, and comprehensively controls each unit of the modality 20 according to the program.

  The operation unit 22 includes various setting keys, operation instruction keys, and the like, and outputs instruction signals (operation signals) input by key operations to the control unit 21.

  The display unit 23 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an input instruction, data, and the like from the operation unit 22 in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 21.

  The communication unit 24 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and is an external device such as the RIS 10, the PACS 30, the finding report generation device 40, and the distribution server 50 connected via the communication network N. Send and receive data to and from.

  The ROM 25 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs executed by the control unit 21, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. The ROM 25 may be in any form of mask ROM or PROM.

  The storage unit 26 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores medical image data and the like.

  The imaging unit 27 shoots a patient according to an instruction from the operation unit 22 of the imaging engineer and generates image data of a medical image.

  The control unit 21 generates incidental information related to the image data generated by the imaging unit 27 based on the examination order information received from the RIS 10 via the communication unit 24. Then, the control unit 21 adds medical information to the image data, generates medical image data, and stores the medical image data in the storage unit 26. Then, the control unit 21 reads the medical image data from the storage unit 26 and transmits it to the PACS 30.

[Functional structure of PACS]
FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration of the PACS 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the PACS 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, a ROM 35, a storage unit 36, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 37.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 31 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM 35, develops them in a work area formed in the RAM, and comprehensively controls each part of the PACS 30 according to the programs.

  The operation unit 32 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 32 includes an instruction signal (operation signal) input by a key operation or a mouse operation on the keyboard. ) To the control unit 31.

  The display unit 33 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an input instruction, data, and the like from the operation unit 32 in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

  The communication unit 34 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and is connected to the outside of the RIS 10, the modality 20, the finding report generator 40, the distribution server 50, and the like connected via the communication network N. Send and receive data to and from the device.

  The ROM 35 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs executed by the control unit 31, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 31 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. The ROM 35 may be either a mask ROM or a PROM.

  The storage unit 36 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores and stores medical image data, numerical report information, and the like. The storage unit 36 also stores an automatic measurement type table 361. Details of the automatic measurement type table 361 will be described later.

  The control unit 31 stores the medical image data received from the modality 20 via the communication unit 34 in the storage unit 36.

  In addition, the control unit 31 performs automatic measurement processing on the image data included in the medical image data received from the modality 20 to generate actual numerical report data. And the control part 31 produces | generates the incidental information regarding the produced | generated numerical report actual data based on the incidental information etc. which are contained in medical image data.

  Here, when generating the supplementary information regarding the numerical report actual data, the control unit 31 associates the supplementary information regarding the numerical report actual data with the supplementary information of the medical image data including the image data subjected to the automatic measurement processing.

  Specifically, the association of the incidental information is based on the values of various information (patient receipt number, name, patient ID, etc.) in the patient information included in each incidental information and various information (examination ID, examination technique) in the examination information. , Inspection site, imaging direction, and the like).

  Or, associating the supplementary information, the supplementary information of the medical image data has an image UID, and the supplementary information related to the numerical report actual data has the same image UID, and these image UIDs have the same value. It may be done.

  Then, the control unit 31 generates the numerical report information by adding the generated incidental information to the numerical report actual data, and stores the numerical report information in the storage unit 36.

  By associating the incidental information, the medical image data and the numerical report information are associated with each other.

  The medical image data and the numerical report information may be associated in any manner such as one-to-one, plural-to-multiple, plural-to-one, and one-to-multiple.

  For example, automatic measurement processing is performed on a plurality of medical images photographed within the same examination for a certain patient, and medical image data and numerical report information are associated with a plurality of one-to-one.

  In addition, automatic measurement processing of a plurality of examination types may be performed on a plurality of medical images taken within the same examination for a certain patient, and medical image data and numerical report information may be associated with a plurality of pairs.

  Alternatively, automatic measurement processing may be performed on one medical image, and medical image data and numerical report information may be associated one-on-one.

  When receiving the interpretation data acquisition request from the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 transmits the corresponding medical image data and numerical report information to the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34. To do.

  Here, the interpretation data acquisition request includes a patient ID and an examination ID. When receiving the interpretation data acquisition request from the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 reads the patient ID and examination ID included in the interpretation data acquisition request. Then, the control unit 31 searches the storage unit 36 for medical image data having the same values as the read patient ID and examination ID. Similarly, numerical report information having the same values as the read patient ID and examination ID is searched. If there is corresponding medical image data as a result of the search, the medical image data is read from the storage unit 36 and transmitted to the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34. Similarly, when there is corresponding numerical report information as a result of the search, the numerical report information is read out and transmitted to the finding report generating apparatus 40 via the communication unit 34.

  Further, when receiving a past numerical report acquisition request from the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 transmits the corresponding numerical report information to the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34.

  Here, the past numerical report acquisition request includes the patient ID and the examination ID. When receiving the past numerical report acquisition request from the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 reads the patient ID and the examination ID included in the past numerical report acquisition request. Then, the control unit 31 searches the storage unit 36 for numerical report information having the same values as the read patient ID and examination ID. As a result of the search, if there is corresponding numerical report information, the numerical report information is read from the storage unit 36 and transmitted to the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34.

  If there is no numerical report information corresponding to the past numerical report acquisition request, the control unit 31 searches the storage unit 36 for medical image data of the patient ID and examination ID included in the past numerical report acquisition request. As a result of the search, when there is corresponding medical image data, the control unit 31 performs automatic measurement processing on the image data included in the medical image data, and generates numerical report actual data. Then, the control unit 31 adds the accompanying information, generates numerical report information, and stores it in the storage unit 36. Then, the control unit 31 reads out the numerical report information from the storage unit 36 and transmits it to the finding report generation device 40 via the communication unit 34.

[Automatic measurement processing]
Here, the automatic measurement process performed by the control unit 31 will be described. The automatic measurement process is a process for measuring image data geometrically. For example, the types of automatic measurement processes include cardiothoracic ratio automatic measurement process, bump angle automatic measurement process, and visceral fat automatic measurement process.

  The cardiothoracic ratio automatic measurement process identifies each part of the medical image using pattern matching, edge search, etc., and automatically measures the width of the rib cage and the heart to calculate the cardiothoracic ratio (cardiothoracic ratio = heart width / thoracic width x 100). The cardiothoracic ratio is usually 50% or less, but if it exceeds 50%, cardiac hypertrophy is diagnosed.

  Cobb angle automatic measurement processing uses pattern matching, edge search, etc. to identify each part of the medical image, and the final vertebrae at the upper and lower ends of the part showing the scoliosis most strongly in the spine (the largest inclination angle) This is a process of automatically measuring the angle formed by the upper surface of the upper terminal vertebra and the lower surface of the lower terminal vertebra, that is, the bump angle. Generally, when the angle of the head exceeds 25 degrees, it is diagnosed as requiring treatment.

  The visceral fat area automatic measurement process is a process of measuring each visceral fat area by identifying each part or fat part of a medical image using pattern matching, edge search, or the like.

  The control unit 31 analyzes the incidental information of the medical image data that is the target of automatic measurement processing. Specifically, “procedure”, “examination site”, “imaging direction”, “position” of the examination information included in the incidental information, and “modality type” of the series information included in the incidental information are read, and the automatic measurement type table 361 To determine the type of automatic measurement processing (type of inspection for automatic measurement).

  Here, FIG. 7 shows a data structure of the automatic measurement type table 361. As shown in FIG. 7, the automatic measurement type table 361 includes items of “modality type”, “procedure”, “examination part”, “body position”, “imaging direction”, and “automatic measurement process”. The “modality type” is an item corresponding to the “modality type” of the series information included in the incidental information of the medical image data. “Procedure”, “Examination site”, “Position”, and “Imaging direction” are the “Procedure”, “Examination site”, “Position”, and “Imaging” of the examination information included in the supplementary information of the medical image data, respectively. This item corresponds to “Direction”. “Automatic measurement processing” is an item indicating the type of automatic measurement processing.

  For example, the automatic measurement type table 361 has values as shown in FIG. 7, and the “modity type”, “procedure”, “examination part”, “position”, “imaging” read from the supplementary information of the medical image data by the control unit 31. When the values of “direction” are “CR”, “simple”, “chest”, “standing”, and “front”, the control unit 31 selects “cardiothoracic ratio automatic measurement processing” as the automatic measurement processing. .

  FIG. 8 shows the data structure of the actual numerical report data included in the numerical report information. Numerical report actual data includes items of “creation date”, “creator”, “title”, “heading”, and “value”. The “creation date” is an item indicating the date on which the actual numerical report data is generated. The “creator” is an item indicating the name of the device that generated the actual numerical report data. “Title” is an item indicating the type of the inspection numerical report generated by the automatic measurement process, and corresponds to the type of the automatic measurement process on a one-to-one basis. Specifically, the titles corresponding to the cardiothoracic ratio automatic measurement process, the galling angle automatic measurement process, and the visceral fat area automatic measurement process are “cardiothoracic ratio measurement report”, “cobb angle measurement report”, and “visceral fat area measurement report”, respectively. It becomes. “Heading” is an item indicating the name of the inspection numerical value measured by the automatic measurement process. The “value” is an item indicating an inspection numerical value measured in the automatic measurement process.

  For example, the values of the items “creation date”, “creator”, “title”, “heading”, and “value” of the actual numerical data data are “2007/7/7”, “CS-X”, “psycho-thoracic” Ratio measurement report ”,“ cardiothoracic ratio value ”, and“ 45% ”.

[Functional configuration of observation report generator]
FIG. 9 shows a functional configuration of the finding report generator 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the observation report generation device 40 is configured to include a control unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, a ROM 45, a storage unit 46, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 47. Yes.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 41 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 45, develops them in a work area formed in the RAM, and comprehensively controls each unit of the finding report generation apparatus 40 according to the program.

  The operation unit 42 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 42 includes an instruction signal (operation signal) input by key operation or mouse operation on the keyboard. ) To the control unit 41.

  The display unit 43 is composed of a high-definition monitor such as an LCD, and displays various screens based on display data input from the control unit 41. In particular, the display unit 43 displays a medical image, a template of the finding report, and the like when the interpretation doctor generates the finding report.

  The communication unit 44 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and is connected to external devices such as the RIS 10, the modality 20, the PACS 30, and the distribution server 50 connected via the communication network N. Send and receive data with.

  The ROM 45 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs executed by the control unit 41, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 41 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. The ROM 45 may be in any form of mask ROM or PROM.

  The storage unit 46 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores various data such as finding report information. The storage unit 46 stores an observation report generation table 461. The finding report generation table 461 is a table used for determining whether or not to perform an finding report automatic generation process and for an finding report automatic generation process. Details of the finding report generation table 461 will be described later.

  The control unit 41 generates finding report actual data based on the numerical report information received from the PACS 30 and the finding report generation table 461 (finding report automatic generation processing). And the control part 41 produces | generates the incidental information regarding the produced | generated observation report actual data based on the incidental information etc. which are contained in numerical report information.

  Here, when generating the incidental information regarding the finding report actual data, the control unit 41 associates the incidental information regarding the finding report actual data with the incidental information of the numerical report information received from the PACS 30.

  Specifically, the association of the incidental information is performed by setting the patient ID and the examination ID included in the incidental information of the numerical report information to the same value as the patient ID and the examination ID included in the incidental information regarding the finding report actual data. Is called.

  Or, associating the incidental information, the incidental information of the numerical report information has a numerical report UID, and the incidental information related to the observation report actual data has the same numerical report UID. It may be performed by doing.

  Then, the control unit 41 adds incidental information to the finding report actual data, generates finding report information, and stores the finding report information in the storage unit 46.

  By associating the incidental information, the numerical report information and the finding report information are associated with each other.

  Note that the numerical report information and the finding report information may be associated in any manner such as one-to-one, plural-to-multiple, plural-to-one, and one-to-multiple.

  For example, the inspection numerical value report and the past inspection numerical value reports related to the inspection numerical value report are associated with the observation reports for these inspection numerical value reports. In this case, the numerical report information and the finding report information are associated with each other two-to-one.

  Here, a specific example of the value of the incidental information when the numerical report information and the finding report information are associated two-to-one is shown. The patient ID of the numerical report information corresponding to the examination numerical report is “1”, and the examination ID is “201”. Further, the patient ID of the numerical report information corresponding to the previous examination numerical report is set to “1”, and the examination ID is set to “105”. In this case, the patient ID of the finding report information is “1”, and the examination IDs are binary values “105” and “201”.

  Based on the operation signal from the operation unit 42, the control unit 41 updates the finding report actual data included in the finding report information.

  The control unit 41 transmits the generated finding report information, the medical image data received from the PACS 30 and the numerical report information to the distribution server 50 as independent data.

[Observation report generation table]
FIG. 10 shows the data structure of the finding report generation table 461. As shown in FIG. 10, the finding report generation table 461 includes items of “heading”, “value”, “past report comparison”, “comparison result”, and “finding report template”. “Heading” is an item corresponding to “Heading” of actual numerical report data included in the numerical report information, and indicates the name of the inspection numerical value measured by the automatic measurement process executed in the PACS 30. The “value” is an item indicating a corresponding range of the inspection numerical value measured by the automatic measurement process. “Past report comparison” is an item indicating whether comparison with past numerical report information is required. The “comparison result” is an item indicating the comparison result with the past numerical report information, and takes the values of “improvement” and “deterioration”. The “finding report template” is an item indicating the template of the finding report displayed on the finding report generation screen 431 (see FIG. 11, details will be described later), and is character string data.

  Note that the addition of the record in the finding report generation table 461 and the change of the value of each item can be appropriately changed by a user operation or the like in the operation unit 42.

[Interpretation data acquisition request]
When an instruction signal for displaying an interpretation screen from the operation unit 42 is input by the interpretation doctor, the control unit 41 generates an interpretation data acquisition request including a patient ID and an examination ID based on the instruction signal. The generated interpretation data acquisition request is transmitted to the PACS 30 via the communication unit 44.

  Then, the control unit 41 receives corresponding medical image data and numerical report information from the PACS 30. Here, the received medical image data is data to be interpreted, and the received numerical report information is data corresponding to the medical image to be interpreted. Hereinafter, the medical image data is referred to as interpretation target medical image data, and the numerical report information is referred to as interpretation target numerical report information.

[Previous numerical report acquisition request]
In addition, when an instruction signal for generating a finding report from the operation unit 42 by the interpretation doctor is input, the control unit 41 generates a past numerical report acquisition request. The patient ID included in the past numerical report acquisition request has the same value as the patient ID included in the interpretation data acquisition request. Further, the examination ID included in the past numerical report acquisition request is an ID corresponding to the past examination for the examination of the examination ID included in the interpretation data acquisition request.

  Then, the control unit 41 transmits the generated past numerical report acquisition request to the PACS 30 via the communication unit 44. Then, the control unit 41 receives the corresponding past numerical report information from the PACS 30.

[Observation report automatic generation processing, etc.]
Then, the control unit 41 reads the values of the items “heading” and “value” of the numerical report actual data included in the interpretation target numerical report information. Then, the control unit 41 refers to the finding report generation table 461 and determines whether to automatically generate the finding report actual data. Further, it is also determined whether or not the interpretation target numerical report information is compared with past numerical report information.

  Specifically, the control unit 41 determines that each of the items “heading” and “value” of the numerical report actual data included in the interpretation target numerical report information is the items “heading” and “value” of the finding report generation table 461. Search for records that match each of the.

  When the item “Past report comparison” of the matching record is “None”, the control unit 41 performs the observation report automatic generation process without comparing the interpretation target numerical report information with the past numerical report information. judge. And the control part 41 performs a finding report automatic generation process. Specifically, the control unit 41 uses the character string of the item “finding report template” as finding report actual data. Then, as described above, the incident report information is automatically generated by adding the incidental information to the finding report actual data.

  This is a process that is performed when the examination numerical report regarding the medical image to be interpreted is an abnormal value so that it is not necessary to compare with the past examination numerical report. For example, in FIG. 10, when the cardiothoracic ratio value is 70% or more, the cardiothoracic ratio value is an abnormal value that does not need to be compared with a past examination numerical report, and therefore, an observation report is automatically generated without comparison. Processing is performed. Similarly, when the visceral fat area is 100 square centimeters or more, the visceral fat area is an abnormal value that does not need to be compared with the past examination numerical report. Is called.

  On the other hand, when the item “Past report comparison” of the matching record is “Yes”, the control unit 41 compares the numerical report information to be interpreted with the past numerical report information. Specifically, the control unit 41 reads the numerical report actual data items “heading” and “value” included in the past numerical report information, and the numerical report actual data item “heading” included in the interpretation target numerical report information. And “value” respectively.

  As a result of the comparison, if the cardiothoracic ratio value deteriorates from 45% to 55%, it is determined that the finding report automatic generation process is performed. And the control part 41 performs a finding report automatic generation process. Specifically, in the finding report generation table 461, the control unit 41 matches the items “heading” and “value” of the actual numerical report data included in the interpretation target numerical report information, and the “previous report comparison” is “present”. In addition, a record in which “comparison result” is “deteriorated” is searched, and the character string of the item “finding report template” of the corresponding record is used as finding report actual data. And as mentioned above, incidental information is added to the said finding report actual data, and a finding report is produced | generated.

  As a result of the comparison, it is also determined that the finding report automatic generation processing is performed even when the cardiothoracic ratio value is improved from 55% to 40%. And the control part 41 performs a finding report automatic generation process. Specifically, in the finding report generation table 461, the control unit 41 matches the items “heading” and “value” of the actual numerical report data included in the interpretation target numerical report information, and the “previous report comparison” is “present”. In addition, a record in which “comparison result” is “enhanced” is searched, and the character string of the item “finding report template” of the corresponding record is used as the finding report actual data. And as mentioned above, incidental information is added to the said finding report actual data, and a finding report is produced | generated.

  As a result of the comparison, if the cardiothoracic ratio value does not change from 45% to 45%, the finding report automatic generation process is not performed.

  Here, in the comparison between the numerical report information to be interpreted and the past numerical report information, it is determined whether the inspection numerical value has changed by a predetermined amount or not. It is performed based on various conditions such as “ka”. For example, if the condition “determines that the cardiothoracic ratio value has increased by 10% or more is determined to be deteriorated” is determined, the cardiothoracic ratio value is determined to be “deteriorated” if the cardiothoracic ratio value increases from 45% to 55%. These various conditions can be changed by user settings.

[Screen example]
FIG. 11 shows a screen example of the finding report generation screen 431. As shown in FIG. 11, the observation report generation screen 431 displays a medical image, patient information related to the medical image, examination information, and the like. In addition, a box D1 for generating an observation report is displayed. Here, when there is finding report information related to the numerical report information related to the medical image data of the displayed medical image, the character string of the finding report actual data included in the finding report information is displayed in the box D1. The The interpretation doctor browses the medical image and adds a finding report to the box D1. On the other hand, if there is no related finding report information, nothing is displayed in the box D1, and the interpretation doctor creates a finding report from scratch.

[Operation of medical imaging system]
Next, the operation in the medical image system 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a ladder chart showing processing executed in the modality 20 and the PACS 30.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the modality 20 images a patient (Step S1) and generates medical image data (Step S2). The modality 20 transmits the medical image data generated in step S2 to the PACS 30 (step S3). The PACS 30 stores the medical image data transmitted from the modality 20 (step S4).

  The PACS 30 performs automatic measurement processing on the image data included in the stored medical image data (Step S5), and generates numerical report information (Step S6). At this time, the medical image data and the numerical report information are associated based on the incidental information. The generated numerical report information is stored (step S7).

  FIG. 13 is a ladder chart showing processing executed in the PACS 30 and the finding report generation device 40 when past numerical report information corresponding to the past numerical report acquisition request is stored in the PACS 30.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the finding report generation apparatus 40 transmits an interpretation data acquisition request to the PACS 30 based on a user operation or the like by an interpretation doctor (step S101). When the PACS 30 receives the interpretation data acquisition request, the PACS 30 transmits the corresponding medical image data to the finding report generation apparatus 40 (step S102). Further, the corresponding numerical report information is transmitted to the finding report generator 40 (step S103).

  Then, the finding report generation device 40 transmits a past numerical report acquisition request to the PACS 30 based on a user operation to generate a finding report by the interpretation doctor (step S104). Upon receiving the past numerical report acquisition request, the PACS 30 transmits the past numerical report information related to the medical image data transmitted in step S103 to the finding report generation device 40 (step S105).

  And the finding report production | generation apparatus 40 refers to numerical report information and the finding report production | generation table 461, and determines whether an observation report automatic generation process is performed (step S106). In step S106, when it determines with performing an observation report automatic generation process (step S106; Yes), an observation report production | generation apparatus 40 performs an observation report automatic generation process, and produces | generates the finding report information used as a model of an finding report ( Step S107). Then, based on the user operation by the interpretation doctor, the finding report actual data included in the finding report information is updated to complete the finding report (step S108).

  Then, based on the user operation by the interpretation doctor, the finding report information is transmitted to the distribution server 50 (step S109).

  If it is determined in step S106 that the finding report automatic generation process is not performed (step S106; No), finding report information is not generated, and the interpretation doctor creates a finding report from scratch.

  FIG. 14 shows the case where the past numerical report information corresponding to the past numerical report acquisition request is not stored in the PACS 30 and the corresponding past medical image data is stored in the PACS 30 and the finding report generation apparatus 40. It is a ladder chart which shows the process performed.

  For example, when the medical image generated in the past examination for the examination that generated the medical image to be interpreted is stored in the PACS 30, the function of the automatic measurement process (step S5 in FIG. 12) is not implemented in the PACS 30, A case where the numerical report information is not stored in the PACS 30 is conceivable.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the finding report generation device 40 transmits an interpretation data acquisition request to the PACS 30 based on a user operation or the like by the interpretation doctor (step S201). When the PACS 30 receives the interpretation data acquisition request, the PACS 30 transmits the corresponding medical image data to the finding report generation apparatus 40 (step S202). Further, the corresponding numerical report information is transmitted to the finding report generator 40 (step S203).

  Then, the finding report generation device 40 transmits a past numerical report acquisition request to the PACS 30 based on a user operation to generate a finding report by the radiogram interpretation doctor (step S204).

  Upon receiving the past numerical report acquisition request, the PACS 30 determines that there is no past numerical report information corresponding to the past numerical report acquisition request and that there is corresponding past medical image data (step S205).

  Then, the PACS 30 performs automatic measurement processing on the image data included in the corresponding past medical image data (step S206), and generates past numerical report information corresponding to the past numerical report acquisition request (step S207). . The generated past numerical report information is stored (step S208).

  And PACS30 transmits the past numerical report information preserve | saved in step S208 to the finding report production | generation apparatus 40 (step S209).

  And the finding report production | generation apparatus 40 refers to numerical report information and the finding report production | generation table 461, and determines whether an observation report automatic production | generation process is performed (step S210). In step S210, when it determines with performing an observation report automatic generation process (step S210; Yes), the observation report production | generation apparatus 40 performs an observation report automatic generation process, and produces | generates the finding report information used as a model of an finding report ( Step S211). Based on the user operation by the interpretation doctor, the finding report actual data included in the finding report information is updated to complete the finding report (step S212).

  Then, based on the user operation by the interpretation doctor, the finding report information is transmitted to the distribution server 50 (step S213).

  If it is determined in step S210 that the observation report automatic generation process is not performed (step S210; No), the finding report information is not generated, and the interpretation doctor creates the finding report from scratch.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PACS 30 performs the automatic measurement process on the image data included in the medical image data to generate numerical report information regardless of the purpose of interpretation by the interpreting physician, Associate with numeric report information. Then, the PACS 30 transmits the medical image data and the numerical report information to the finding report generation apparatus 40 as independent data.

  The finding report generation apparatus 40 performs the finding report automatic generation processing on the numerical report actual data included in the numerical report information received from the PACS 30, generates the finding report information, and associates the numerical report information with the finding report information. .

  Then, the finding report generation device 40 displays a medical image and a finding report related to the medical image on the display unit 43 based on the finding report information and the medical image data received from the PACS 30. And the finding report production | generation apparatus 40 updates finding report information based on the operation signal from the operation part 42 by user operation. And the finding report production | generation apparatus 40 transmits the said finding report information to the delivery server 50 by the data independent of the said numerical report information.

  Therefore, when the interpretation doctor performs interpretation for a specific examination purpose and creates a finding report, it is possible to prevent oversight of the disease outside the examination purpose. Specifically, even if a medical image of a chest image taken with a CR device is interpreted for purposes other than the purpose of examination of the cardiothoracic ratio to prevent heart failure, the interpretation doctor generates an observation report. It is possible to prevent an abnormality in the cardiothoracic ratio from being overlooked with reference to the finding report based on the finding report information automatically generated by the device 40.

  In addition, the finding report generation apparatus 40 displays the finding report separately from the medical image in order to generate the finding report information as separate data from the medical image data and the numerical report information. Therefore, a finding report that is not for interpretation purposes is not displayed on the medical image. Therefore, it does not interfere with interpretation of medical images by an interpreting doctor.

  In addition, since medical image data and numerical report information are associated with each other, and numerical report information and observation report information are associated with each other, information on examination numerical values and medical images for the contents described in the observation report can be easily obtained. Can be specified. Therefore, the scientific basis of the contents described in the findings report can be easily verified.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a medical image system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a data block diagram of a medical image data object. It is a data block diagram of a numerical report information object. It is a data block diagram of a finding report information object. It is a block diagram of modality. It is a block diagram of PACS. It is a data block diagram of an automatic measurement kind table. It is a data block diagram of numerical report actual data. It is a block diagram of an observation report production | generation apparatus. It is a data block diagram of an observation report production | generation table. It is an example of a findings report generation screen. It is a ladder chart which shows the process performed in modality and PACS. It is a ladder chart which shows the process performed in a PACS and a finding report production | generation apparatus. It is a ladder chart which shows the process performed in a PACS and a finding report production | generation terminal.

Explanation of symbols

10 RIS
20 modality 21 control unit 22 operation unit 23 display unit 24 communication unit 25 ROM
26 storage unit 27 photographing unit 28 bus 30 PACS
31 Control Unit 32 Operation Unit 33 Display Unit 34 Communication Unit 35 ROM
36 Storage Unit 37 Bus 40 Observation Report Generation Device 41 Control Unit 42 Operation Unit 43 Display Unit 44 Communication Unit 45 ROM
46 Storage Unit 47 Bus 50 Distribution Server 100 Medical Image System 361 Automatic Measurement Type Table 431 Observation Report Generation Screen 461 Observation Report Generation Table N Communication Network

Claims (11)

The inspection numerical value report generation device and the observation report generation device each having communication means are connected to each other via a communication network,
The inspection numerical report generation device includes:
A test numerical value related to a disease other than the test purpose is automatically measured among the captured images of the patient's test site, and a test numerical report is generated. The captured image and the test numerical report are associated with each other, and the independent data First control means for transmitting to the communication means,
The finding report generator is
The communication means automatically generates an observation report for the inspection numerical value report received via the communication means, associates the inspection numerical value report and the observation report with each other, and associates the observation report with data independent of the inspection numerical value report. Second control means for transmitting to
A medical image system comprising: The second control unit displays the finding report and the captured image received via the communication unit on a display screen, and when an operation signal is input from an operation unit, based on the operation signal, Update the findings report displayed on the display screen,
The medical image system according to claim 1. The first control means associates the captured image with the inspection numerical report based on incidental information attached to each of the images.
The medical image system according to claim 1 or 2. The second control means associates the inspection numerical value report and the finding report based on incidental information incidental to each.
The medical image system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second control means automatically generates a finding report only when the inspection numerical value satisfies a predetermined condition.
The medical image system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device;
Automatically generate findings reports for test numerical reports on diseases outside of the test objectives, taken from the patient's test site,
Control means for associating the inspection numerical report and the finding report with each other and transmitting the finding report to the communication means as data independent of the inspection numerical report;
An observation report generation device comprising: The control means displays the finding report and the photographed image on a display screen, and when an operation signal is input from an operation unit, the finding displayed on the display screen based on the operation signal. Update reports,
The finding report generating apparatus according to claim 6. The control means associates the inspection numerical value report and the finding report based on incidental information attached to each,
The finding report generation device according to claim 6 or 7. The control means automatically generates a finding report only when the inspection numerical value satisfies a predetermined condition.
The finding report generation device according to any one of claims 6 to 8. Automatically generate findings reports for test numerical reports on diseases outside the test objectives of the patient's test site
The inspection numerical report and the finding report are associated with each other, and the observation report is transmitted to an external device as data independent of the inspection numerical report.
Observation report generation method. Computer
A communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device,
Automatically generate findings reports for test numerical reports on diseases outside the test objectives of the patient's test site
Control means for associating the inspection numerical report and the finding report with each other and transmitting the finding report to the communication means as data independent of the inspection numerical report;
Program to function as.

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