Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted

Image interpretation, computer-assisted in healthcare, refers to the use of computer software and algorithms to analyze and interpret medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI and ultrasound. The technology is used to assist radiologists and other healthcare providers in making accurate diagnoses, and to improve the efficiency and consistency of the diagnostic process.

Examples of how computer-assisted image interpretation is used in healthcare include:

Computer-aided detection (CAD), which uses algorithms to identify areas of interest in medical images, such as tumors or abnormal growths, and highlights them for radiologists to review.

Computer-aided diagnosis (CADx), which uses algorithms to analyze medical images and provide a diagnosis or a list of possible diagnoses, as well as a level of confidence in the diagnosis, helping radiologists and physicians to make an accurate diagnosis.

Computer-aided lesion segmentation, which uses algorithms to identify and isolate specific areas of interest within an image, such as tumors or organs, which can be used for further analysis and treatment planning. 3D visualization, which uses computer-generated images to create a three-dimensional view of the area of interest in the medical image, providing radiologists and physicians with a more detailed and accurate view of the area.

Computer-assisted image interpretation can help to improve the accuracy and consistency of diagnoses, and can also help to reduce the time and effort required to interpret medical images. It is important to note that these algorithms are designed to assist radiologists and physicians, not to replace them. The radiologists still have to make the final diagnosis, and they should always use their own expertise and judgement while interpreting the images with the help of the computer-assisted tools.