The use of color in medical imaging continues to
evolve. But what are the real benefits of color in breast imaging, and
how can radiologists make the most of color to enhance their reading
performance? Here are 3 ways color improves breast imaging:
1 – Provides additional functionality
Color
extends upon standard images to provide additional information on what
makes the image dynamic, allowing clinicians to hone in on specific
elements of interest. Color contrast can be used to highlight an image’s
functional features, so radiologists can see not only the anatomical
image, but also its functional behaviors, such as the speed and
intensity at which blood is entering tissue.
2 – Improves radiologists’ efficiency and speed of working
Accessibility
to color improves radiologists’ reading efficiency and speed of
working. Identifying functional processes without color requires
scrolling through multiple (sometimes thousands) of images, to ascertain
the contrast of different shades of black and white. With the use of
color, both functional and structural elements of an image can be easily
targeted and highlighted, saving radiologists’ time and enhancing
reading efficiency.
3 – Supports image comparison for a more accurate diagnosis
The
use of color can assist radiologists with the comparison and fusion of
images. When merging two images, the combination of two black and white
images can make it difficult to identify which is which. Placing color
on top of black and white makes the differentiation clearer and the
fused result easier to see. Adding color to a mammography display also
allows radiologists to compare multiple modalities, e.g. mammograms with
breast ultrasounds or MRI, for a more accurate diagnosis of the breast
tissue.
Coronis Uniti
Barco’s Coronis UnitiTM display
allows viewing of both color medical images and mammograms on the same
screen. It’s the only diagnostic display cleared for multi-modality
breast imaging. It comes with color calibration to guarantee
consistent, perceptually linear color so radiologists can rely on the
diagnostic value of color in every image.
