Purpose of App Review

  • How high yield are these clinical image flashcards for those learning chest radiology?
  • How reliable is the information provided?

Introduction

Many physicians interpret plain film radiographs and CT scans of the chest on a regular basis to diagnose a wide variety of pulmonary and cardiac conditions. Chest Radiology Flashcards is an iOS medical app created by Hawki, Inc that contains 100 flashcards showing X-ray and CT images.

These flashcards demonstrate different types of chest pathology.

The app is directed at both radiology residents and other health professionals who are exposed to chest radiology in their practice. We recently reviewed a similar Hawki medical app focused on Neuroradiology.

User Interface

Each flashcard contains a still image showing a certain condition with a brief explanation of the diagnoses on the other side.

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Explanations do not contain citations to appropriate references. The user can mark whether they got the card right or wrong. The user can go back through the cards in random order, or choose only to see the cards they got right or wrong.

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Several diagnoses are covered by multiple flashcards showing different images of the same condition, often on both plain film and CT. Images include PA and lateral plain films and CT scans in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes. Usually only one image from a CT scan is shown, so users can not scroll through an entire scan.

The app contains several interesting cases including dextrocardia, cystic fibrosis, and several types of pulmonary tumors. The cases generally lean towards uncommon pathologies and do not focus on more commonly encountered topics like pneumonia and pulmonary embolism, though they are covered briefly.

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When compared to the ACCP Radiology Cases App, this app contains significantly less clinical information about the specific cases shown. It does provide a relatively extensive volume of cases and falls short in failing to cite references for the information given. Appropriate citations should be standard practice in medical apps focused on education.

Price

  • $3.99

Likes

  • Exposure to many chest radiology images with interesting pathology.
  • Pearls for each case.
  • Can shuffle order or focus only on cases that the user got incorrect.

Dislikes

  • Does not cite references.
  • CT scans reduced to single image.
  • Does not annotate images to highlight pathology.

Healthcare providers that would benefit from the app

  • Residents and other physicians studying chest radiology in depth.

Conclusions

  • This app gives users access to 100 images focused on a variety of pathologies seen in chest radiology, accompanied by brief explanations but without appropriate references.
  • It may be a helpful study adjunct to those studying for radiology boards or learning about chest radiology for their clinical practice.
  • Most cases demonstrate unique and uncommon pathology, and may not be as useful for general practitioners. This app is not available on the Android platform.

Type of Device used to review app: iPhone 4S running iOs 6.1
Version of App reviewed: Version 1.1
Tech Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

iMedicalApps recommended?

  • Yes

iTunes Link

Rating: 3.75/5

  • User Interface -­ 4 -­ Simple and straightforward.
  • Multimedia usage -­ 4 -­ Image focused, allows user to zoom, but reduce CTs to single images and doesn’t annotate images to show pathology.
  • Price -­ 4 -­ $3.99 for 100 cases.
  • Real world applicability -­ 3 ­- May be a helpful study adjunct for those focusing on chest radiology.

Disclaimer:
This post does not establish, nor is it intended to establish, a patient physician relationship with anyone. It does not substitute for professional advice, and does not substitute for an in-person evaluation with your health care provider. It does not provide the definitive statement on the subject addressed. Before using these apps please consult with your own physician or health care provider as to the apps validity and accuracy as this post is not intended to affirm the validity or accuracy of the apps in question. The app(s) mentioned in this post should not be used without discussing the app first with your health care provider.