Medical information processing device, medical information processing method, and medical information processing program

Abstract

To efficiently acquire historical images suitable for current image analysis in a short amount of time. [Solution] The medical information processing device according to the embodiment includes: a first information acquisition unit that acquires patient identification information and current image information including the current image; a database inquiry unit that searches an analysis result generation information database using the patient identification information as a search key to acquire examination identification information and series identification information which are past images of the patient indicated by the patient identification information and are associated with past images used in previous analysis processing; and a second information acquisition unit that acquires past image information which includes past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information from among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical information processing apparatus, a medical information processing method, and a medical information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] By performing comparison processing between a medical image to be analyzed (current image) taken by a modality such as an X-ray CT apparatus and a medical image taken previously (past image), it is known that the progress of a disease and the appearance of a new lesion can be easily confirmed. In order to perform such analysis processing, a past image of a target patient is acquired from a medical image management system (Picture Archiving and Communication System: PACS) using information for identifying the patient and the modality.

[0003] However, the past image acquired by such a method may not be suitable for the analysis processing of the current image, for example, the imaging range may be different from that of the current image. In order for the past image to be suitable for analysis, for example, it is necessary to satisfy the condition that conditions such as the imaging range, imaging site, imaging direction (patient's orientation, etc.), slice interval, and image size are the same as those of the current image. Since there are some conditions among these that cannot be determined whether they are satisfied without actually looking at the image, it may take time to obtain a past image suitable for the analysis processing of the current image.

[0004] Furthermore, when imaging is performed over a predetermined range such as from the chest to the waist in a CT examination, a plurality of series of medical images are generated in one examination. In this case, since a plurality of past images corresponding to the plurality of current images are required for the analysis processing, it takes even longer to acquire the past images.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve is to acquire past images suitable for current image analysis processing quickly and efficiently. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The medical information processing device according to the embodiment includes: a first information acquisition unit that acquires patient identification information and current image information including the current image; a database inquiry unit that searches an analysis result generation information database using the patient identification information as a search key to acquire examination identification information and series identification information which are past images of the patient indicated by the patient identification information and are associated with past images used in previous analysis processing; and a second information acquisition unit that acquires past image information, including past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information, from among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of an analysis result generation information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the medical information processing device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The medical information processing device and the like according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations will be given only when necessary.

[0010] <Medical System 1> First, with reference to Figure 1, a medical system 1 equipped with a medical information processing device 10 according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the medical system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0011] The medical system 1 comprises a medical information processing device 10, a terminal device 20, a medical information storage device 30, and a medical image generation device 40. In this embodiment, the medical information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, the medical information storage device 30, and the medical image generation device 40 are connected to the hospital network.

[0012] The medical information processing device 10 is configured to acquire current images from the medical information storage device 30 or the medical image generation device 40, and past images from the medical information storage device 30, and to perform analysis processing on the current image based on the acquired current and past images. Details of the medical information processing device 10 will be explained later.

[0013] Here, "current image" refers to the medical image that is the subject of analysis. In this embodiment, the current image is a medical image obtained from the most recent examination performed on a subject, such as a patient, using the medical image generation device 40. "Past image" refers to a medical image used in the analysis process together with the current image. In this embodiment, the past image is a medical image obtained from an examination performed using the medical image generation device 40 prior to the examination of the current image. Note that the past image is not limited to the medical image (original image) obtained by the medical image generation device 40, but may also be an image showing the results of a previously performed analysis process.

[0014] Terminal device 20 is a terminal used by medical professionals such as radiologists and image interpreters, and is, for example, a desktop or laptop computer installed in an examination room. Terminal device 20 is communicatively connected to the medical information processing device 10 and the medical information storage device 30. Terminal device 20 displays current images, past images, analysis results, etc. Terminal device 20 may also display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for searching for patients or specifying analysis methods (analysis applications).

[0015] The medical information storage device 30 stores medical images, such as past images. In this embodiment, the medical information storage device 30 is a server that constitutes a PACS. The medical information storage device 30 may also store current images. The medical information storage device 30 transmits and receives medical images by communicating with the medical information processing device 10, the medical image generation device 40, etc., in accordance with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard. A medical information storage device 30 that complies with the DICOM standard is also called a DICOM storage server. The medical system 1 may include multiple DICOM storage servers.

[0016] The medical information storage device 30 stores medical images in a data format defined by the DICOM standard (DICOM image data). Medical images are stored in association with patient identification information (patient ID), StudyUID, SeriesUID, and the date of acquisition (examination date), etc. The StudyUID is the examination identification information (examination ID). The SeriesUID is the series identification information. Specifically, the SeriesUID is information for identifying a directory (series) that stores multiple medical images generated by the medical image generation device 40. Note that the current image information and past image information in the claims are examples of DICOM image data.

[0017] The medical image generation device 40 is a device that generates medical images and is also called a modality. The medical image generation device 40 includes an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, a PET (Positron Emission computed Tomography) device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, etc. The medical image generation device 40 may capture a plurality of medical images for each unit called a series for one examination. For example, when using an X-ray CT device to image the chest and abdomen, in one examination, four series are created: a first series storing chest images (without contrast agent), a second series storing abdominal images (without contrast agent), a third series storing chest images (with contrast agent), and a fourth series storing abdominal images (with contrast agent).

[0018] Note that the network configuration of the medical system 1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 1, and the components of the medical system 1 may be communicably connected via an external network such as the Internet. For example, the medical information storage device 30 may be arranged outside the hospital or in another hospital and connected to the in-hospital network via the Internet.

[0019] Also, the connection form between the components of the medical system 1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 1. For example, the medical information storage device 30 and the medical image generation device 40 may be connected via the medical information processing device 10, and the terminal device 20 may be connected to the medical information storage device 30.

[0020] <Medical information processing device 10> While referring to the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the medical information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. The medical information processing device 10 of the present embodiment is an analysis device configured to be able to execute a plurality of types of analysis processes based on past images and current images.

[0021] The medical information processing device 10 includes a communication interface 11, a memory circuit 12, and a processing circuit 13. Hereinafter, the details of each component will be described.

[0022] The communication interface 11 communicates with other components of the medical system 1 (such as the medical information storage device 30, the medical image generation device 40, etc.) via a communication network according to various communication protocols.

[0023] The memory circuit 12 is connected to the processing circuit 13 and stores various information used by the processing circuit 13. The memory circuit 12 is realized by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, hard disks, optical disks, etc.

[0024] The memory circuit 12 stores various programs necessary for the processing circuit 13 to execute each function, and various data processed by the programs, etc. Note that the various data handled in this specification are typically digital data.

[0025] The programs stored in the memory circuit 12 include applications (analysis apps) for performing analysis processing. There are multiple types of analysis apps, such as clinical applications and research applications. For example, the analysis apps are a bone subtraction app, a Spectral composition analysis app, etc. The bone subtraction app is an analysis app that executes differences on two medical images with different imaging dates and observes the changes over time in the same subject and the same examination site. The Spectral composition analysis app is an analysis app that displays the presence of uric acid using Dual Energy scan images. Note that the analysis apps may also be pre-trained models such as DNN (Deep Neural Network), rule-based analysis programs, and various computer algorithms related to Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD).

[0026] The memory circuit 12 stores the analysis result generation information database 12a. The analysis result generation information database 12a is a database that stores information (information for identifying past images) for acquiring past images used in previous analysis processes from the medical information storage device 30.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of the analysis result generation information database 12a. In this example, each record stores the patient ID, analysis application name, StudyUID, SeriesUID, storage address, and shooting date in relation to each other. Here, the patient ID is information used to identify the patient, such as an identification number like a medical card number. The analysis application name is the name of the application that performs the analysis, but it may also be identification information consisting of letters and numbers. The storage address is the IP address of the medical information storage device 30 where the past images are stored. The shooting date is the date the past images were taken (examination date). Note that the date the analysis processing was performed may be stored instead of the shooting date. In this way, since the analysis result generation information database 12a does not store large information such as medical images, the analysis result generation information database 12a can be implemented in a relatively small size.

[0028] As described above, since the analysis result generation information database 12a is stored in the memory circuit 12 of the medical information processing device 10, which is an analysis device, examination identification information and series identification information for identifying past images suitable for analysis processing can be quickly searched and obtained. Furthermore, by preventing the analysis result generation information database 12a from being accessed by other devices, the uniqueness of the database can be ensured. However, this is not limited to the above, and the analysis result generation information database 12a may also be stored in another information processing device that is communicatively connected to the medical information processing device 10.

[0029] The processing circuit 13 is an arithmetic circuit that performs various calculations and controls the operation of the medical information processing device 10. The processing circuit 13 has a current image information acquisition function 13a, a database inquiry function 13b, a past image information acquisition function 13c, an analysis function 13d, and an information output function 13e.

[0030] Note that the current image information acquisition function 13a is an example of the first information acquisition unit in the claims. The database inquiry function 13b is an example of the database inquiry unit in the claims. The past image information acquisition function 13c is an example of the second information acquisition unit in the claims. The analysis function 13d is an example of the analysis unit in the claims. The information output function 13e is an example of the storage unit in the claims.

[0031] In this embodiment, the processing functions currently performed by the image information acquisition function 13a, the database inquiry function 13b, the past image information acquisition function 13c, the analysis function 13d, and the information output function 13e are stored in the memory circuit 12 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 13 is composed of a processor and realizes the functions corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the memory circuit 12. In other words, the processing circuit 13 in the state in which each program has been read will have the functions shown in the processing circuit 13 of Figure 2.

[0032] In Figure 2, the current image information acquisition function 13a, database inquiry function 13b, past image information acquisition function 13c, analysis function 13d, and information output function 13e are shown to be implemented by a single processing circuit 13, but the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 13 may be configured as a combination of multiple independent processors, and each processing function may be implemented by each processor executing each program. Each processing function of the processing circuit 13 may be implemented by being appropriately distributed or integrated across one or more processing circuits.

[0033] Next, we will explain in detail each function of the processing circuit 13.

[0034] The current image information acquisition function 13a acquires current image information from the medical information storage device 30. The current image information includes patient identification information (identification information of the target patient) and the current image. That is, the current image information includes the patient's current image and the patient's identification information. The current image information acquisition function 13a may also acquire current image information directly from the medical image generation device 40.

[0035] The database query function 13b queries whether there are any past images (medical images taken before the current image) that have been previously used for analysis processing for the target patient. Specifically, the database query function 13b searches the analysis result generation information database 12a using the patient identification information contained in the current image information as a search key. If such past images exist, the database query function 13b retrieves the examination identification information and series identification information associated with those past images from the analysis result generation information database 12a. In this embodiment, the examination identification information is the StudyUID of the DICOM standard, and the series identification information is the SeriesUID of the DICOM standard.

[0036] Furthermore, the database inquiry function 13b may also search the analysis result generation information database 12a using the patient ID as well as the type of analysis application (such as the name of the analysis application) as a search key. This allows for more efficient searching.

[0037] Furthermore, the database inquiry function 13b may acquire examination identification information and series identification information corresponding to past images taken within a predetermined period from the date of acquisition included in the current image information. For example, the database inquiry function 13b may search the analysis result generation information database 12a using the date of acquisition included in the current image information in addition to the patient identification information to acquire examination identification information and series identification information corresponding to past images taken within a predetermined period from among the past images of the target patient. Alternatively, the system may select records extracted using the patient identification information as a search key whose acquisition date falls within a predetermined period, and acquire the examination identification information and series identification information of the selected records. The predetermined period may be specified from the terminal device 20.

[0038] The past image information acquisition function 13c acquires past image information, including past images, from the medical information storage device 30 using the examination identification information and series identification information obtained from the analysis result generation information database 12a. Past images are multiple medical images belonging to the series (directory) indicated by the series identification information, which were captured during the examination indicated by the examination identification information. If the database inquiry function 13b obtains the storage address of past images from the analysis result generation information database 12a, the past image information acquisition function 13c acquires past image information from the medical information storage device 30 (DICOM storage server) indicated by that storage address. Alternatively, the current image information acquisition function 13a may acquire past image information instead of the past image information acquisition function 13c. In other words, the current image information acquisition function 13a and the past image information acquisition function 13c may be implemented by a single medical image acquisition function.

[0039] The analysis function 13d performs analysis based on the current image and past image. For example, the analysis function 13d reads an analysis application corresponding to the analysis method specified by the user from the memory circuit 12 from the terminal device 20 and performs analysis using the specified analysis method. For example, in the case of subtraction analysis, the analysis function 13d compares the current image and past image and extracts the difference.

[0040] The information output function 13e transmits the analysis results from the analysis function 13d to the terminal device 20 or the medical information storage device 30 via the communication interface 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the information output function 13e stores the examination identification information and series identification information currently included in the image information in the analysis result generation information database 12a, associating them with the patient identification information. Alternatively, the information output function 13e may also store analysis application identification information, such as the name of the analysis application, in the analysis result generation information database 12a along with the examination identification information and series identification information, associating it with the patient identification information.

[0042] The information output function 13e may store the IP address of the medical information storage device 30, along with the examination identification information and series identification information, in the analysis result generation information database 12a, associating it with the patient identification information as the storage address for past images. In this case, the information output function 13e may, after sending the analysis results to the medical information storage device 30, store the IP address of the medical information storage device 30 in the analysis result generation information database 12a. The storage address is stored in the analysis result generation information database 12a after the medical information storage device 30 for saving the analysis results has been determined. Therefore, the reliability of the storage address can be improved when there are multiple medical information storage devices 30.

[0043] <Medical Information Processing Method> Next, an example of a medical information processing method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4. The processing shown in Figure 4 is performed, for example, after the examination by the medical image generation device 40 is completed.

[0044] Step S11: The current image information acquisition function 13a acquires current image information, including patient identification information and the current image. The current image information is acquired from the medical information storage device 30 or the medical image generation device 40. The current image is the medical image to be analyzed, and the patient identification information is information associated with the current image.

[0045] Step S12: The database query function 13b obtains examination identification information and series identification information. Specifically, the database query function 13b obtains examination identification information and series identification information by searching the analysis result generation information database 12a using the patient identification information contained in the current image information obtained in step S11 as a search key. The past images identified by the examination identification information and series identification information obtained in this step are medical images used in previous analysis processes. These past images are, for example, medical images obtained from an examination on the examination date immediately preceding the current image.

[0046] Step S13: The past image information acquisition function 13c acquires past image information from the medical information storage device 30. Specifically, the past image information acquisition function 13c transmits the examination identification information and series identification information acquired in step S12 to the medical information storage device 30. The medical information storage device 30 transmits the past images identified by the received examination identification information and series identification information to the medical information processing device 10. As a result, the past image information acquisition function 13c acquires past image information that includes past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information, from among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information. By identifying past images using series identification information in this way, when performing analysis processing on multiple current images generated by a series of shots, it is possible to acquire multiple past images that correspond to each of those current images and are suitable for analysis processing all at once.

[0047] Step S14: The analysis function 13d performs analysis processing based on the current image obtained in step S11 and the past image obtained in step S13.

[0048] Step S15: The information output function 13e transmits the results of the analysis process performed in step S14 (analysis results). The analysis results are transmitted to the terminal device 20 and / or the medical information storage device 30. In this step, the information output function 13e may transmit the current image information acquired in step S11 to the medical information storage device 30 instead of, or together with, the analysis results.

[0049] Step S16: The information output function 13e stores the examination identification information and series identification information included in the current image information acquired in step S11 in the analysis result generation information database 12a, associating them with the patient identification information. This ensures that information for identifying the medical images used in the current analysis process is stored in the analysis result generation information database 12a for future analysis processes. The examination identification information and series identification information of the current image information may be stored in newly created records in the analysis result generation information database 12a, or existing records may be overwritten.

[0050] In step S16, the information output function 13e may store the analysis application identification information and / or the storage address (i.e., the IP address of the medical information storage device 30 that sent the analysis results in step S15) in the analysis result generation information database 12a, associating it with the patient identification information.

[0051] As described above, the analysis result generation information database 12a stores examination identification information and series identification information for medical images that have been used in the analysis process. In other words, the analysis result generation information database 12a stores examination identification information and series identification information for identifying medical images used in previous analysis processes. Therefore, when analyzing current images generated by the same examination as those previously performed on the same patient, the medical information storage device 30 can be searched using the examination identification information and series identification information acquired in step S12, thereby efficiently acquiring medical images suitable for the analysis process of the current images. Furthermore, since past images are identified using series identification information, when performing analysis on multiple current images generated by a series of scans, such as a CT scan, multiple past images corresponding to each of those current images and suitable for the analysis process can be acquired all at once.

[0052] The above processing flow is merely an example, and various modifications are possible. For example, in step S12, the database inquiry function 13b may search the analysis result generation information database 12a using patient identification information as well as the type information of the analysis application as the search key. This makes it possible to acquire past images suitable for analysis processing more efficiently.

[0053] Alternatively, in step S12, the storage address of past images may be obtained from the analysis result generation information database 12a. In this case, in step S13, the information output function 13e obtains past image information from the medical information storage device 30 indicated by the obtained storage address. This makes it possible to access the medical information storage device 30 where the desired past images are stored, even if the IP address of the medical information storage device 30 is unknown or if there are multiple medical information storage devices 30.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, patient identification information and current image information including the current image are acquired, and by searching the analysis result generation information database 12a using the patient identification information as a search key, examination identification information and series identification information are acquired, which are past images of the patient indicated by the patient identification information and are associated with past images used in previous analysis processing. Then, using the examination identification information and series identification information, past image information including past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information, among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information, is acquired from the medical information storage device 30. This makes it possible to acquire past images suitable for analysis processing of the current image in a short time and efficiently. In particular, even when performing analysis processing on multiple current images generated by a series of shots, by using series identification information, multiple past images corresponding to each of those current images and suitable for analysis processing can be acquired efficiently.

[0055] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 12. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 12, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuitry. In this case, the processor functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry. The processor is not limited to being a single circuit; it may also be composed of multiple independent circuits combined to form a single processor and achieve its functions. Furthermore, the multiple components shown in Figure 2 may be integrated into a single processor to achieve its functions.

[0056] Furthermore, the medical information processing method described in Figure 4 can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared medical information processing program on a computer such as a personal computer or workstation. This medical information processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, this medical information processing program can be recorded on a computer-readable, non-transient recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and executed by reading it from the recording medium by a computer.

[0057] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and methods described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such embodiments and modifications that are included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Medical System 10 Medical Information Processing Devices 11 Communication Interface 12 Memory circuit 12a Analysis Result Generation Information Database 13 Processing Circuit 13a Current image information acquisition function 13b Database query function 13c Past image information acquisition function 13D analysis function 13e Information output function 20 Terminal devices 30 Medical information storage device 40 Medical Image Generation Device

Claims

1. A first information acquisition unit acquires patient identification information and current image information including the current image, A database inquiry unit retrieves examination identification information and series identification information associated with past images of the patient indicated by the patient identification information that are also used in previous analysis processes, by searching the analysis result generation information database using the patient identification information as a search key. A second information acquisition unit acquires past image information, including past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information, from among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information. A medical information processing device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection identification information is a StudyUID of the DICOM standard, and the series identification information is a SeriesUID of the DICOM standard.

3. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the past image is a medical image obtained from an examination on the examination date immediately preceding the present image.

4. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the database inquiry unit searches the analysis result generation information database using the type information of the analysis application as a search key.

5. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the database inquiry unit obtains the storage address of past images from the analysis result generation information database, the second information acquisition unit obtains past image information from the medical information storage device indicated by the storage address.

6. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the database inquiry unit acquires examination identification information and series identification information corresponding to past images taken within a predetermined period from the date of capture included in the current image information.

7. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an analysis unit that performs analysis processing based on the current image and the past image.

8. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores examination identification information and series identification information included in the current image information in association with the patient identification information in the analysis result generation information database.

9. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit stores the IP address of the medical information storage device in the analysis result generation information database after the results of the analysis processing performed based on the current image and the past image have been transmitted to the medical information storage device.

10. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit of the medical information processing device stores the analysis result generation information database.

11. The first information acquisition unit acquires patient identification information and current image information including the current image. The database inquiry unit searches the analysis result generation information database using the patient identification information as a search key, thereby obtaining examination identification information and series identification information that are past images of the patient indicated by the patient identification information and that are associated with past images used in previous analysis processing. The second information acquisition unit acquires past image information, including past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information, from among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information. Medical information processing method.

12. On the computer, The first information acquisition unit acquires patient identification information and current image information including the current image. The database inquiry unit searches the analysis result generation information database using the patient identification information as a search key, thereby obtaining examination identification information and series identification information that are past images of the patient indicated by the patient identification information and that are associated with past images used in previous analysis processing. The second information acquisition unit acquires past image information, including past images belonging to the series indicated by the series identification information, from among the medical images taken in the examination indicated by the examination identification information. A medical information processing program that performs a task.

Images