Standards Lacking in Cardiac Software Tools
A report published in the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology suggests that standards must be developed for software analysis tools used for cardiac imaging. This conclusion was a function of a study completed by a multi-institutional team that evaluated findings from three different state-of-the-art software packages for cardiac images.
Researchers who participated in the project included scientists from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Sacred Heart Medical Center, and the University of Oregon. The team examined cardiac images using three different software packages which are commonly used: the Emory Cardiac Toolbox (EMO), QPS Systems, and 4DMSPECT (4DM). They noted the importance of this effort in light of differences in images from different time periods or imaging facilities.
The team assessed over 325 images taken from patients who were treated at Sacred Heart. The goal underlying the evaluation was to support standardization of software tools for cardiac image analysis. The researchers suggest that this will improve both patient care and diagnostic capabilities alike.
Comparison of SPECT images assessed with the different software systems brought to light variation in diagnostic capabilities and the quantification of abnormalities. Cardiac SPECT is used along with stress testing to examine blood flow during periods of both rest and stress.
Standardized stress scores were determined, along with the ability to detect coronary artery disease based on receiver operator characteristics areas-under-the-curve for each of the software systems. Normalcy, accuracy, and sensitivity of each was also determined.
Noting the variability in the diagnostic parameters of each of the software systems, the researchers suggest that the development of standardized software will improve the accuracy of assessments. Moreover, such will facilitate comparison and diagnosis of heart images completed over time and from different imaging centers.
March 26, 2008 Related topics: Trends, Imaging, Partnerships & Consortia, Quality, Safety, Errors, Diagnostic, Cardiology