A particular focus is given to defining and describing task-based image quality assessment methodologies. The primary audience of this report is clinical medical physicists, but we envision that this report can provide informative definitions of evaluation methods across all sectors of healthcare with an interest in CT performance. Some supplemental software tools are provided as part of this report as listed below.
The report is not yet published but is in the late stages of the AAPM review process.
imQuest*
imQuest is a CT image analysis tool used to extract tube current modulation profiles and measure spatial resolution, noise properties, and quasi-linear task-based performance based on the methods in TG 233. The tool is designed to work with the ACR and Mercury Phantoms but could be used with any phantoms with similar features. Installers are provided for Mac and Windows below. User guide and documentation coming soon.
Author: Justin B. Solomon
Institution: Duke University
Links:
iMRMC
Statistical analysis tool provided by the FDA for spatial domain task-based performance assessment. The tool helps size and analyze multi-reader multi-case (MRMC) reader studies.
Link: Github iMRMC repository
IQModelo
Tool provided by the FDA for parametric statistical methods for ROC performance analysis of linear model observers.
Link: Github IQModelo repository
* Software developed as part of our research is made freely available via the GNU Public License Version 2 license (GPLv2). The GPL license ensures that the work is widely accessible. Researchers and clinicians will be able to leverage the resource to further develop new technology in CT imaging and medical image quality evaluation. The GPL license will also promote the dissemination of derived works to the public. Per the GPL license, the original developers maintain the copyright to the software to ensure that it is responsibly maintained and extended.
The software is made available as both source code under GPLv2 license and binary distributions so that individuals interested in using the software can run it “out-of-the-box,” whereas others who would like to use it as a development platform can modify it as needed. Other investigators interested in contributing modified versions of the software for dissemination to the public can contact imquest@duke.edu
