For the study, the researchers reviewed the MDCTs of 50 patients referred for GI tract imaging. The researchers found that the average duration for interpretation of coronal reformats was about half a minute faster than axial images and that an average of 30 more findings for the entire group of patients was reported on coronal evaluations than axial images (an average of 260 vs. 230). The interpreting radiologists' confidence was also found to be higher on coronal evaluations than axial images.
According to the authors, by using coronal reformats, radiologists would have to interpret 30-40% less images per case. "This is very important in today's busy clinical practice. Add this to the fact that the radiologists detected more findings using coronal reformats alone, we are looking at improved work efficiency with additional relevant clinical information, all at no extra cost or extra radiation exposure," said Sunit Sebastian, MD, lead author of the study.
"Since the beginning of CT, radiologists have been trained to use axial images for primary interpretation of body CT images, but if radiologists could get accustomed to using coronal reformats, they could use them solely for primary interpretation of CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis," said Dr. Sebastian.
The full results of the study will be presented on May 2, 2006 during the American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting in Vancouver, BC.
About ARRS
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) was founded in 1900 and is the oldest radiology society in the United States. Radiologists from all over the world attend the ARRS Annual Meeting to take part in instructional courses, scientific paper presentations, symposiums, new issues forums and scientific and commercial exhibits related to the field of radiology. The ARRS is named after Wilhelm Röentgen, who discovered the x-ray in 1895.
Journal
American Journal of Roentgenology