Pro. M. D. - A Diagnostic Expert System Shell for Clinical Chemistry Test Result Interpretation

Abstract

SummaryThe history and main features of the diagnostic expert system Pro. M. D. are presented. An illustrative case report from a knowledge base for the evaluation of disorders of lipid metabolism helps to explain Pro. M. D.’s functions. The knowledge representation syntax is explained for the different types of rules. Knowledge bases currently in development are outlined. A new concept of probability reasoning and other recent improvements are discussed briefly. Implementation details are described with special regard to the inference function. Evaluation problems are discussed and Pro. M. D. is compared to other known diagnostic computer systems.