Where do neurologists look when viewing brain CT images? An eye-tracking study involving stroke cases.

Authors:
Address: Department of Neurology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. hideyukimatsumoto.jp@gmail.com
Journal:

Publication:
Free Text: Where do neurologists look when viewing brain CT images? An eye-tracking study involving stroke cases.

abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate where neurologists look when they view brain computed tomography (CT) images and to evaluate how they deploy their visual attention by comparing their gaze distribution with saliency maps. Brain CT images showing cerebrovascular accidents were presented to 12 neurologists and 12 control subjects. The subjects' ocular fixation positions were recorded using an eye-tracking device (Eyelink 1000). Heat maps were created based on the eye-fixation patterns of each group and compared between the two groups. The heat maps revealed that the areas on which control subjects frequently fixated often coincided with areas identified as outstanding in saliency maps, while the areas on which neurologists frequently fixated often did not. Dwell time in regions of interest (ROI) was likewise compared between the two groups, revealing that, although dwell time on large lesions was not different between the two groups, dwell time in clinically important areas with low salience was longer in neurologists than in controls. Therefore it appears that neurologists intentionally scan clinically important areas when reading brain CT images showing cerebrovascular accidents. Both neurologists and control subjects used the "bottom-up salience" form of visual attention, although the neurologists more effectively used the "top-down instruction" form.

Related Articles
Texture analysis of computed tomography images of acute ischemic stroke patients.
Braz J Med Biol Res. 2009
Texture analysis of computed tomography images of acute ischemic stroke patients.
Oliveira MS, Fernandes PT, Avelar WM, Santos SL, Castellano G, Li LM. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2009 Nov; 42(11):1076-9. Epub 2009 Oct 9.
Final Report on Carcinogens Background Document for Formaldehyde.
Rep Carcinog Backgr Doc. 2010
Final Report on Carcinogens Background Document for Formaldehyde.
National Toxicology Program. Rep Carcinog Backgr Doc. 2010 Jan; (10-5981):i-512.
The prognostic significance of visible infarction on computed tomography following lacunar stroke: results of a long-term follow-up study.
J Neuroimaging. 2005
The prognostic significance of visible infarction on computed tomography following lacunar stroke: results of a long-term follow-up study.
Walters MR, Weir CJ, Adams FG, Lees KR. J Neuroimaging. 2005 Oct; 15(4):331-5.
Review Brain perfusion CT in acute stroke: current status.
Eur J Radiol. 2003
Review Brain perfusion CT in acute stroke: current status.
König M. Eur J Radiol. 2003 Mar; 45 Suppl 1:S11-22.
Review [Cerebral perfusion CT: theoretical aspects, methodical implementation and clinical experience in the diagnosis of ischemic cerebral infarction].
Rofo. 2000
Review [Cerebral perfusion CT: theoretical aspects, methodical implementation and clinical experience in the diagnosis of ischemic cerebral infarction].
König M, Klotz E, Heuser L. Rofo. 2000 Mar; 172(3):210-8.

To top • Home

TraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment.All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.