A PACS-based interactive teaching module for radiologic sciences

Abstract

This article describes an interactive teaching module, linked to a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) data base, for teaching radiology. The module is currently tailored to MR images but can be adapted to any other imaging technique. An algorithm has been developed that allows the use of MR images acquired with routine clinical protocols and stored in the data base to yield, in real time, images at any other arbitrary TE and TR. In the browse mode, the user can study either the effect of different scan parameters or clinical cases on synthesized or acquired images. The quiz mode has multiple-choice questions and answers, accompanied by images. In the teaching mode, the instructor has access to the clinical data base and WRITE privileges for setting up the browse or quiz mode. The module achieves considerable flexibility when linked to the PACS, with access to all archived images and the ability to subsequently synthesize MR images at arbitrary TE and TR values in real time. The module is also "dynamic" in character, in that the instructor can easily add new cases and comments to the teaching files, both to enhance its clinical aspects and to reflect advances in technology.