Supplement 229: Photoacoustic Imaging

This supplement introduces a new information object definition (IOD) and a new storage service-object pair (SOP) class for encoding and storing photoacoustic (PA) images. PA imaging is a non-invasive medical imaging modality which creates an image based on the absorption of light in tissues. Contrast in the image is generated as different tissues and substances absorb light differently. PA imaging can identify intrinsic light absorbers such as haemoglobin and melanin, as well as extrinsic agents such as indocyanine green (ICG) or diverse types of nano-particles.

Prospective applications of PA imaging include classifying breast cancer lesions, screening sentinel lymph nodes, and assessing inflammation.

Main sections:

· Scope and field of application

· Changes to NEMA Standards Publication PS 3.3

· Part 3: Information object definitions Part 3 Additions

· C.8.34 Photoacoustic modules

· Changes to NEMA Standards Publication PS 3.4

· Part 4: Service class specifications

· Changes to NEMA Standards Publication PS 3.6

· Part 6: Data dictionary

· Changes to NEMA Standards Publication PS 3.16

· Part 16 Content mapping resource

· Changes to NEMA Standards Publication PS 3.17

· Part 17: Explanatory information

· Annex AAAAA: Photoacoustic imaging (Informative)