Road to RSNA 2012: Advanced Visualization Preview
    By Erik L. Ridley, AuntMinnie.com staff writer
    November 12, 2012

     The growing power of advanced visualization technology will be ever-present in the scientific program at this month's RSNA meeting in Chicago. Hot topics this year include computer-aided detection (CAD) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) technology, as well as quantitative imaging. Look for a range of papers on CAD and, in particular, CADx, as researchers increasingly explore the use of computer-aided technology to assist in diagnosis, not just detection.

    The growing power of advanced visualization (AV) technology will be ever-present in the scientific program at this month's RSNA meeting in Chicago.

    Hot topics this year include computer-aided detection (CAD) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) technology. Just a few years ago, CAD research seemed to be in decline, but that's clearly no longer the case. Look for a range of papers on CAD and, in particular, CADx, as researchers increasingly explore the use of computer-aided technology to assist in diagnosis, not just detection.

    Quantitative imaging also is the focus of a flurry of research activity, with several talks highlighting tools for assisting in quantitative assessment of tumor burden to evaluate cancer treatment response. You'll also want to stop by the Quantitative Imaging Reading Room in the Lakeside Learning Center to browse the showcase for products and applications highlighting quantitative analysis.

    Refresher courses

    A dizzying array of AV refresher courses awaits RSNA 2012 attendees in Chicago, highlighted by a veritable smorgasbord of quantitative imaging sessions. A refresher/informatics course on quantitative medical imaging for clinical research and practice gets the action under way on Sunday, November 25 (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ICIA11, Room S401CD).

    Road to RSNA 2012: PACS Preview Another quantitative imaging course on brain disorders is on tap for Sunday (2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., RC117, S504CD), as is a refresher course on the current status of quantitative cancer imaging techniques (2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., RC118, Room S404AB). The use of quantitative imaging in radiology and clinical trials also will be detailed in a Sunday afternoon course (2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., RC125, Room S404CD).

    Those with an interest in 3D ultrasound won't want to miss a Sunday refresher course on 3D imaging in women's health (2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., RC110, Room S403A). A hands-on workshop on advanced image analysis on Monday, November 26, awaits those looking for some experience working with applications such as automated stent planning, multimodality image fusion, and treatment planning (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC253, Room S401CD).

    A course on quantitative imaging in ultrasound also will be presented Monday morning (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC225, Room S102D). In addition, a talk on quantitative image analysis for image retrieval, decision support, and knowledge discovery will be included in a refresher course on decision support in clinical practice (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC226, Room N229).

    Advanced imaging techniques will be covered in a course on practical informatics for the practicing radiologist, held in conjunction with the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) (12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m., ICII22, Room S501ABC).

    A CT colonography update is the subject of a refresher course on the morning of Tuesday, November 27 (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC309, Room E450B), while quantitative imaging in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) will be discussed in another course (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC325, Room N229).

    Tuesday afternoon brings a refresher/informatics course on 3D interactive visualization of DICOM images for radiology applications (12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m., ICIA32, Room S401CD). Later, a refresher course will examine the use of quantitative imaging in FDG-PET (4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., RC425, Room S102D).

    There's also no shortage of AV refresher courses to choose from on Wednesday, November 28. 3D ultrasound will be included in a morning refresher course on the frontiers of ultrasound (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC510, Room N229), while 3D techniques in cancer imaging will be highlighted in a refresher course on advances in cross-sectional imaging (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC518, Room N230).

    Also, a refresher course is scheduled on the topic of new trends in breast CAD (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC521, Room N226). Another hands-on-workshop on advanced image analysis will be held on Wednesday morning (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC553, Room S401CD), as will an interactive session on quantitative imaging in oncology (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC517, Room S505AB).

    The informatics issues associated with quantitative imaging will be the focus of a Wednesday morning refresher course (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC525, Room S102D).

    "Quantitative Imaging: A Revolution in Evolution" is the title of a refresher course held in conjunction with SIIM on Thursday, November 29 (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC626, Room N229). The use of quantitative imaging in volumetric CT as a biomarker for disease also will be featured in a morning course (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC625, Room N226).

    Those staying through Thursday will be interested in quantitative imaging refresher courses on lung disorders (4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., RC717, Room S504CD) and functional MRI (4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., RC725, Room S404CD).

    If you're still in Chicago on Friday, November 30, there's a quantitative imaging refresher course on diffuse lung disease assessment using CT (8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., RC825, Room E350).

    See below for previews of advanced visualization-related scientific papers and posters at this year's RSNA meeting.

    To view the RSNA's listing of abstracts for this year's scientific and educational program, click here.
    Scientific and Educational Presentations
    CAD may help detect acute vertebral fractures on trauma CT
    Sunday, November 25 | 10:45 a.m.-10:55 a.m. | SSA19-01 | Room S403B
    This scientific presentation will describe how computer-aided detection (CAD) software has the potential to increase the detection of acute vertebral body fractures on trauma CT studies.
    CAD can help detect noncalcified plaques on CCTA studies
    Sunday, November 25 | 11:05 a.m.-11:15 a.m. | SSA19-03 | Room S403B
    Researchers from the University of Michigan will present their computer-aided detection (CAD) software for detecting dangerous noncalcified plaques on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies.
    New CAD method lowers false positives for lymphadenopathy
    Sunday, November 25 | 11:35 a.m.-11:45 a.m. | SSA19-06 | Room S403B
    In this scientific session, researchers will describe how adding organ detection to a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme can decrease false positives on CAD systems for detecting lymphadenopathy.
    CAD technique targets microcalcifications on DBT
    Sunday, November 25 | 11:45 a.m.-11:55 a.m. | SSA19-07 | Room S403B
    This Sunday presentation will discuss research using computer-aided detection (CAD) to detect microcalcifications on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) studies.
    MIP reformatting aids in urinary tract stone detection
    Sunday, November 25 | 11:45 a.m.-11:55 a.m. | SSA10-07 | Room E353B
    In this scientific session, researchers will share how coronal maximum intensity projection (MIP) image reformations can improve the detection and measurement of urinary tract stones.
    CADx helps distinguish neoplastic, nonneoplastic lesions on VC
    Sunday, November 25 | 11:55 a.m.-12:05 p.m. | SSA07-08 | Room E450A
    Researchers from the University of Chicago will show how a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) scheme may be able to facilitate the use of virtual colonoscopy as a diagnostic tool for polyps.
    CAD detects ovarian cancer metastases
    Sunday, November 25 | 12:05 p.m.-12:15 p.m. | SSA19-09 | Room S403B
    In this Sunday afternoon session, researchers will detail the promise of computer-aided detection (CAD) technology for finding ovarian cancer metastases.
    Lung CAD system eyes risky subsolid lung nodules
    Sunday, November 25 | 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | LL-PHS-SU7A | Lakeside Learning Center
    In this poster presentation, researchers will explain how combining computer-aided detection (CAD) systems for solid and subsolid lung nodules can increase nodule detection.
    CAD research increasing and focusing on analysis, not detection
    Monday, November 26 | 10:30 a.m.-10:40 a.m. | SSC08-01 | Room S402AB
    In his keynote talk, Dr. Bradley Erickson, PhD, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, will discuss how computer-aided detection (CAD) research is on the rise, and is increasingly focused on assisting radiologists with analysis instead of detection.
    Tool provides automated analysis of visceral adipose tissue
    Monday, November 26 | 10:40 a.m.-10:50 a.m. | SSC08-02 | Room S402AB
    In this scientific session, researchers will describe how a computer-assisted analysis tool can segment and quantify visceral adipose tissue on abdominal CT exams.
    CADx outperforms radiologists in characterizing liver lesions
    Monday, November 26 | 10:50 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | SSC08-03 | Room S402AB
    Researchers in Germany have found -- with a caveat -- that a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system turned in a better performance than radiologists for characterizing indeterminate liver lesions.
    Lesion tracking tool boosts efficiency in RECIST assessments
    Monday, November 26 | 11:10 a.m.-11:20 a.m. | SSC08-05 | Room S402AB
    A study team will describe how an automated lesion tracking tool improves radiologist efficiency for quantitative assessment of cancer response on CT studies.
    Software offers advanced visualization of prostate MRI
    Monday, November 26 | 12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m. | LL-INE-MO8B | Lakeside Learning Center
    In this educational exhibit, German researchers will present an integrated software tool for the automated analysis and advanced visualization of multiparametric MRI of the prostate.
    Technique cuts out metal artifacts on CT images
    Monday, November 26 | 3:30 p.m.-3:40 p.m. | SSE22-04 | Room S403B
    In this scientific paper presentation, researchers will discuss the potential of a new algorithm for reducing metal artifacts on CT images.
    AV services come with informatics, financial hurdles
    Tuesday, November 27 | 10:30 a.m.-10:40 a.m. | SSG09-01 | Room S402AB
    In his keynote talk, Gordon Harris, PhD, will discuss the informatics and financial challenges involved with creating advanced visualization (AV) services as streamlined and integrated components of routine practice.
    3D quantitative analysis shows promise for pulmonary fibrosis
    Tuesday, November 27 | 11:10 a.m.-11:20 a.m. | SSG05-05 | Room S405AB
    This scientific session will share the results of a multicenter study of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for quantitative CT analysis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
    Computer reasoning may improve cancer treatment assessment
    Tuesday, November 27 | 11:10 a.m.-11:20 a.m. | SSG09-05 | Room S402AB
    In this Tuesday morning presentation, Stanford University researchers will discuss their approach to automate and reduce variation in imaging assessment of treatment response.
    Tool automates measurements for perforator flap angiography
    Tuesday, November 27 | 11:20 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | SSG09-06 | Room S402AB
    A study team will detail how software can provide automated reporting of MR angiography perforator flap angiography exams.
    Semiautomated assessment tool evaluates tumor burden
    Tuesday, November 27 | 11:30 a.m.-11:40 a.m. | SSG09-07 | Room S402AB
    Researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health will present the results of a semiautomated metastatic lesion measurement tool for providing tumor assessment in melanoma patients.
    Method segments functional, anatomic areas on PET/MRI
    Tuesday, November 27 | 11:40 a.m.-11:50 a.m. | SSG09-08 | Room S402AB
    A team from the U.S. National Institutes of Health will present a segmentation method that can simultaneously and automatically delineate regions of radiotracer uptake and corresponding anatomical structures on PET/MRI scans.
    Semiautomated CT lesion analysis saves time
    Tuesday, November 27 | 11:40 a.m.-11:50 a.m. | SSG18-08 | Room S104A
    A team from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that a semiautomated lesion management application was faster and more consistent than manual observers in assessing cancer therapy response.
    Tool excludes obstructive coronary artery disease on CCTA
    Tuesday, November 27 | 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. | LL-CAS-TU6A | Lakeside Learning Center
    This scientific poster will illustrate how an automated tool can rapidly exclude obstructive coronary artery disease in emergency department patients with acute chest pain who undergo coronary CT angiography (CCTA).
    Adding CAD improves tuberculosis screening in Africa
    Tuesday, November 27 | 3:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m. | SSJ05-01 | Room S404CD
    In this presentation, Dutch researchers will describe how using a computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithm to help interpret digital chest x-ray studies contributed to modest improvement in reader performance.
    CADx may improve characterization of central gland lesions
    Tuesday, November 27 | 3:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m. | SSJ22-01 | Room S403B
    In this scientific paper presentation, Dutch researchers will highlight the potential of computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) for differentiating benign and malignant central gland lesions in the prostate.
    Standalone breast CAD system could identify suspicious cases
    Tuesday, November 27 | 3:10 p.m.-3:20 p.m. | SSJ22-02 | Room S403B
    Researchers will describe in this presentation how a breast computer-aided detection (CAD) system could be deployed to improve screening efficacy by independently identifying suspicious nonreferred cases.
    CAD can detect coronary artery stenosis on MRA
    Tuesday, November 27 | 3:30 p.m.-3:40 p.m. | SSJ22-04 | Room S403B
    In this Tuesday afternoon session, a Japanese team will present a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme for finding coronary artery stenosis on whole-heart cardiac MR angiography (MRA).
    CAD shows promise for minimal-prep VC
    Tuesday, November 27 | 3:50 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | SSJ08-06 | Room E353C
    This scientific session will discuss the potential role for a multienergy computer-aided detection (CAD) technique with minimal-preparation multienergy virtual colonoscopy.
    CBIR may assist in cancer diagnosis on breast ultrasound
    Tuesday, November 27 | 3:50 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | SSJ22-06 | Room S403B
    This scientific paper presentation will discuss how a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) technique shows potential for helping radiologists diagnose breast cancer on ultrasound studies.
    Software provides automated patient size estimate on CT
    Tuesday, November 27 | 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. | LL-PHS-TU9D | Lakeside Learning Center
    In this scientific poster, a study team will explore the capabilities of the open-source Generalized Radiation Observation Kit application for providing automated patient size estimates on CT exams.
    CAD boosts accuracy for lung nodules in bone-suppressed images
    Wednesday, November 28 | 10:30 a.m.-10:40 a.m. | SSK03-01 | Room S404CD
    In this session, researchers will examine two relatively new image-processing technologies, computer-aided detection (CAD) and bone suppression imaging, for their impact on radiologist accuracy for detecting pulmonary nodules.
    CAD may improve breast ultrasound specificity
    Wednesday, November 28 | 3:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m. | SSM01-01 | Arie Crown Theater
    This scientific session will describe how a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme can help distinguish between benign and malignant masses on breast ultrasound exams.
    Breast MRI lesion features may predict treatment response
    Wednesday, November 28 | 3:30 p.m.-3:40 p.m. | SSM01-04 | Arie Crown Theater
    In this presentation, researchers will detail how quantitative image analysis of 30 MRI-based lesion features shows potential for predicting patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
    Texture classification aids CADx in classifying emphysema
    Thursday, November 29 | 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. | LL-CHS-TH2A | Lakeside Learning Center
    Japanese researchers will share their work aimed at improving the computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) of pulmonary emphysema on CT.
    Rib suppression technique may help detect lung nodules
    Friday, November 30 | 11:50 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | SST14-09 | Room S403B
    Researchers will delineate in this presentation how a rib suppression technique may be able to improve the detection of both lung nodules and pneumothorax on portable chest radiographs.