Initial experience with a wireless personal digital assistant as a teleradiology terminal for reporting emergency computerized tomography scans

A new type of terminal device, a wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) based on a CSM digital cellular phone, was used to transmit computerized to mography scans of 21 patients to a neuroradiologist. All transmitted images were suitable for a preliminary consultation and in one case a final repor t could be made. In 18 cases the findings were compatible with the referenc e film reading performed later and in three cases there were minor differen ces of no clinical importance. Transmission of a single image lasted 1 min 30 s and the transmission of a complete brain scan (14 images) took on aver age 21 min. The total process of transmission and interpretation of a brain examination series took on average 40 min. In this pilot study the neurora diologist gained essential information in 24% of the cases and beneficial i nformation in 62%. The neuroradiologist considered that the image consultat ion saved a hospital visit in 15 cases (71%). Although PDA technology is at an early stage of development and has numerous limitations, it is likely t hat future technical improvements will allow easier clinical consultations for neurosurgeons and neurologists.