Evaluation of the Siemens picture archiving and communication system for the interpretation of MR examinations

This paper presents a prospective evaluation of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) which has compared the quality of MR image interpretation based on digital display vs standard film. The PACS consists of eight 1024 x 1024 pixel monitors with a computer. A display controller allows magnification of images, and manipulation of window settings. Fifty MR examinations of the knee were evaluated: 23 of knees with proved abnormalities and 27 of normal knees. MR examinations were assessed by using graded responses to allow analysis with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Initially, half of the studies were evaluated on standard film and the other half on the PACS. After 4 weeks, the MR examinations were reviewed again; the opposite format for each case was used. All readings were then correlated with proved pathologic findings