Software Enables Automatic Analysis of Mammograms

The software, Semantic Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), can be incorporated into hospital information technology (IT) systems, and it categorizes each new mammogram using automatic descriptive methods and search methods that compare the semantic contents of the images stored. This means that the software learns from the analysis of earlier mammograms and automatically provides relevant information that can help diagnose patients.

The software was designed by the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering of Porto (INESC Porto; Porto, Portugal) and FEUP (the faculty of engineering at the University of Porto), and can be used for one-third of all cases with 100% accuracy in detecting malignant tumors. The objective of Semantic PACS is to automatically validate cases with precise results allowing clinicians to be able to dedicate more time to evaluate more complex cases.

Moreover, when doctors are unable to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant, the system can search for similar images to help the doctor assess the seriousness of the tumor. Jaime Cardoso, a researcher at INESC Porto and professor at FEUP, explained, "from the patient's point of view this software presents advantages such as reducing the time taken to diagnose cases and the emotional stress associated with this wait."

Semantic PACS is an example of research completed in Portugal with commercial value. It was developed in collaboration with the industrial partner Emílio Azevedo Campos (Porto, Portugal), and will be included in the company's range of archiving and sharing equipment for medical images. According to Pedro Cardoso, the director of Emílio Azevedo Campos, Semantic PACS "is a solution that presents unique factors and added value for our healthcare clients."

The Semantic PACS software was created as part of a project with the same name that was cofunded by the Portuguese National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) with a budget of EUR 320,000.

Related Links:
Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering of Porto
Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto