Improving indications for prostate cancer from multi-parametric MR imaging (mp-MRI) requires dedicated software tools for diagnosis and communication of the results in a meaningful way. The presented prototype of a novel, comprehensive software application aims at integrating spatially synchronized mp-MRI visualization and structured reporting which follows the PI-RADS classification scheme into a single workstation.

Our novel approach for workflow-optimized classification of prostate lesions is following the ideas of the scoring system described by the authors of the well-known ESUR prostate MR guidelines 2012 [1,2]. Technical foundation of our implementation method is the Rondo software platform [3]. A collection of framework functions for data access, pre-processing, and visualization is offered, which includes spatially aligned viewers of T2w, diffusion, perfusion (both ADC and DCE), and spectroscopic MRI data by either overlaid views or side-by-side automatic diagnostic hanging layouts. Flexible extension points...

Data from clinical infrastructure is accessed through DICOM network interfaces. The application prototype allows radiologists to visualize all relevant modalities and use spatially synchronized cursors across all modalities to navigate intuitively and explore the correlation of corresponding findings. PI-RADS based localization and scoring is supported with a specialized graphical user interface. The semi-automatically gathered information about the clincial case description, its findings, and the location and scoring of the dominant lesions and corresponding key images is compiled into a comprehensive structured report. The result is...

The presented software prototype enables radiologists to evaluate the PI-RADS classification scheme hands-on and finally establishes prostate cancer structured reporting in clincial routine. We expect that the availability of the tool leverages the usage of standardized reporting and may even help in the development and evaluation of future computer aided diagnosis tools through flexible extension points. Furthermore, a clinical evaluation of the prototype is planned for 2013.

[1] L Dickinson, HU Ahmed, C Allen, JO Barentsz, B Carey, JJ Futterer, SW Heijmink, PJ Hoskin, A Kirkhamd, AR Padhani, R Persad, P Puech, S Punwani, AS Sohaib, B Tombal, A Villersm, J van der Meulen, M Emberton, Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection, Localisation, and Characterisation of Prostate Cancer: Recommendations from a European Consensus Meeting, European Urology 59 (2011), 477-494 [2] JO Barentsz, J Richenberg, R Clements, P Choyke, S Verma, G Villeirs, O Rouviere, V Logager, JJ Fütterer, ESUR prostate MR guidelines...

Jan Woetzel, Dipl.-Ing. MeVis Medical Solutions AG R&D Department Universitätsallee 29 28359 Bremen / Germany Phone +49 421 22495-0 http://www.mevis.de