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Biomedical subjects

T D Cradduck

Publications and source records attributed to T D Cradduck.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

A file format for the exchange of nuclear medicine image data: a specification of Interfile version 3.3.

Working Group 1 of the European project COST-B2 on quality assurance of nuclear medicine software has been concerned with the development of an appropriate mechanism for the transfer of nuclear medicine image data files between computer systems from different vendors. To this end a protocol based upon Report No. 10 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) [1] was adopted. A previous publication [2] gave a specification (V3.2) for an intermediate file format with a list of key-value pairs for the header data associated with nuclear medicine image data files. This paper presents a revised specification for the intermediate file format and associated keys, now called V3.3, which has evolved from the experience in using the earlier version. It is hoped that the modifications proposed will improve the definition and usability of the file format as given in the earlier version.

European Union

Experience with gated cardiac software phantoms for quality control of applications programmes.

Ten gated cardiac software phantoms, representing normal and abnormal clinical conditions, were transferred to 9 different computer systems and tested with 11 cardiac programmes. Problems of inappropriate data format were encountered when analysing the phantoms on other systems. The global left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values resulting from the different programmes were compared. Significant programme differences were found, the programmes falling generally into two groups. Few LVEF outlier values were identified. Full functional assessment of cardiac phantoms requires a set of different views which together form the phantom. Application of software phantoms for programme assessment and training requires prudence and attention to the acquired data format, frame time, and gating method for the appropriate use of phantoms.

Computer Simulation

A standard protocol for the exchange of nuclear medicine image files.

In order to meet an increasing demand for a standard file format which would facilitate the exchange of image files from one computer to another, the protocol initiated by Report #10 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine has been adopted. This protocol uses the concept of an ASCII file in which key-value pairs are used to describe the various parameters of the image file. Keys specific to nuclear medicine image files have been established and are published here. In addition, the latest version of the keys has been placed on a list server which is accessible by electronic mail. This will facilitate the development of conversion programs which will also be placed on the same list server as they become available.

Computer Systems

Camera-computer systems for rapid dynamic imaging studies.

The extraction of valuable diagnostic information from rapid, dynamic studies performed on a gamma camera requires that the data be recorded for latter analysis. If these data are to be available rapidly and if quantitative analysis is to be performed, it is imperative that a computer be used in conjuction with the gamma camera. This review describes the more important features of a nuclear medicine computer system both from the point of view of hardware and software. The various aspects that cause some limitations to be imposed on the capability of the system in order to carry out fast, dynamic studies are described and some possible solutions are suggested.

Analog-Digital Conversion

Computers in nuclear imaging.

Currently, the practice of nuclear medicine in larger institutions is practically dependent upon the availability of a computer system. Gamma cameras are connected online to mini-computer systems which have the ability to collect image data in a number of different formats. This permits sophisticated analysis techniques to be used so that quantitative data may be extracted from the images. In some instances, as in tomography, data are reconstructed into images to give views of organs that would otherwise be impossible to obtain.

Computers