An interactive dynamic analysis and decision support software for MR mammography

Abstract

A fully automated software is introduced to facilitate MR mammography (MRM) examinations and overcome subjectiveness in diagnosis using normalized maximum intensity-time ratio (nMITR) maps. These maps inherently suppress enhancements due to normal parenchyma and blood vessels that surround lesions and have natural tolerance to small field inhomogeneities and motion artifacts. The classifier embedded within the software is trained with normalized complexity and maximum nMITR of 22 lesions and tested with the features of remaining 22 lesions. Achieved diagnostic performances are 92% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 91% accuracy, 92% positive predictive value and 90% negative predictive value. DynaMammoAnalyst shortens evaluation time considerably and reduces inter and intra-observer variability by providing decision support. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.