OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a model for integration of computer-aided diagnosis algorithms into the picture archiving and communication systems workflow that has been developed on the basis of the dcm4che2 open source toolkit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed integration model consists of an image processing server and communication services. The data management follows the workflow defined by the post-processing workflow profile (PWF) developed by Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) and utilizes the DICOM secondary capture functionality. An application for diffuse lung disease has been utilized as proof of concept. RESULTS: Based on a cross validation method, the standard classification algorithm presented 78% accuracy. The integration enables the visualization of processed images as a new series in the original study. CONCLUSION: The proposed integration model is based on IHE profiles and allows the establishment of standardized procedures. The principles used to integrate the workflow are applicable to any non-interactive post-processing task.
Computer-aided image processing; Picture archiving and communication systems; DICOM secondary capture; IHE
