iPad is Accurate in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Pneumonias

In the 51^st annual meeting of the European Society of Pediatric Radiology in Amsterdam, Papaioannou et al from Mitera Hospital in Athens, and Ohio State University in Columbus , Ohio presented their findings regarding the accuracy and usefulness of the iPad in the diagnosis of pneumonias in neonates and infants.

The chest x-rays of 99 consecutive cases were retrospectively evaluated. Findings included consolidation (19), patchy densities/air-space shadowing (7), diffuse air-space shadowing (4), bilateral peribronchial thickening (18), peribronchial thickening and consolidation (4), RLL Hyperinflation (1), patchy hyperlucencies (2) and coarse pattern (2). The images were anonymized and distributed after randomization to two experienced pediatric attending radiologists and two fellows. Diagnostic monitors and a non-retina display iPad2 device were used for viewing the studies.

On the diagnostic monitors, the correct/incorrect ratio was 139/59 for the attendings and 137/61 for fellows. On the iPad, it was 141/57 and 150/48 respectively. In the detection of lung disease, the iPad sensitivity was 79.8%, specificity 64.9%, PPV 5.5% and NPV 70.3%. As a group the attendings and fellows correct/incorrect ratio was 276/120 on the monitors and 291/105 on the iPad. There was no difference in the accuracy of interpretation or the performance depending on the device used among attendings and fellows.

The authors concluded that although diagnostic monitors will continue to be the device of choice in Radiology departments, mobile tablets will play an increasingly important role in the radiographic detection of lung disease in neonates and infants in the intensive care units, emergency department and/or for teleradiology purposes.

John Spigos, BS