Workflow management of content-based image retrieval for CAD support in PACS environments based on IHE

Purpose Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) bears great potential for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). However, current CBIR systems are not able to integrate with clinical workflow and PACS generally. One essential factor in this setting is scheduling. Applied and proved with modalities and the acquisition of images for a long time, we now establish scheduling with CBIR. Methods Our workflow is based on the IHE integration profile 'Post-Processing Workflow' (PPW) and the use of a DICOM work list. Results We configured dcm4chee PACS and its including IHE actors for the application of CBIR. In order to achieve a convenient interface for integrating arbitrary CBIR systems, we realized an adapter between the CBIR system and PACS. Our system architecture constitutes modular components communicating over standard protocols. Conclusion The proposed workflow management system offers the possibility to embed CBIR conveniently into PACS environments. We achieve a chain of references that fills the information gap between acquisition and post-processing. Our approach takes into account the tight and solid organization of scheduled and performed tasks in clinical settings.