Interpretation time of computer-aided detection at screening mammography.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Diagnostic Technology

Background:

• Digital mammography is a key tool for breast cancer screening.
• Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems aim to improve mammogram interpretation accuracy.
• The time and confidence impacts of CAD on radiologists are important considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the interpretation time associated with CAD in digital screening mammography.
• To analyze how CAD influences radiologists' decisions and confidence levels.
• To quantify the time investment required for CAD review.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of five radiologists interpreting 267 digital screening mammograms.
• Interpretation times, recall decisions, and confidence levels recorded with and without CAD.
• Linear regression analysis used to model interpretation times.

Main Results:

• Mean interpretation time without CAD was 118 seconds; reviewing CAD images added 23 seconds.
• CAD identified additional findings in 5 cases and altered confidence in 59 cases (38 increased, 21 decreased).
• Interpretation time increased with mammographic views and the number of CAD marks (calcifications and masses).

Conclusions:

• CAD integration into digital mammography interpretation requires a 19% increase in mean interpretation time.
• The time investment for CAD is considerable.
• The measurable benefits of CAD regarding radiologist confidence may be limited.