Interobserver Variability in Manual Versus Semi-Automatic CT Assessments of Small Lung Nodule Diameter and Volume.

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Tomography Pub Date : 2024-12-19 DOI:10.3390/tomography10120148

Frida Zacharias, Tony Martin Svahn

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the interobserver variability of semi-automatic diameter and volumetric measurements versus manual diameter measurements for small lung nodules identified on computed tomography scans.

Methods: The radiological patient database was searched for CT thorax examinations with at least one noncalcified solid nodule (∼3-10 mm). Three radiologists with four to six years of experience evaluated each nodule in accordance with the Fleischner Society guidelines using standard diameter measurements, semi-automatic lesion diameter measurements, and volumetric assessments. Spearman's correlation coefficient measured intermeasurement agreement. We used descriptive Bland-Altman plots to visualize agreement in the measured data. Potential discrepancies were analyzed.

Results: We studied a total of twenty-six nodules. Spearman's test showed that there was a much stronger relationship (p < 0.05) between reviewers for the semi-automatic diameter and volume measurements (avg. r = 0.97 ± 0.017 and 0.99 ± 0.005, respectively) than for the manual method (avg. r = 0.91 ± 0.017). In the Bland-Altman test, the semi-automatic diameter measure outperformed the manual method for all comparisons, while the volumetric method had better results in two out of three comparisons. The incidence of reviewers modifying the software's automatic outline varied between 62% and 92%.

Conclusions: Semi-automatic techniques significantly reduced interobserver variability for small solid nodules, which has important implications for diagnostic assessments and screening. Both the semi-automatic diameter and semi-automatic volume measurements showed improvements over the manual measurement approach. Training could further diminish observer variability, given the considerable diversity in the number of adjustments among reviewers.

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人工与半自动CT评估肺小结节直径和体积的观察者间差异。

背景：本研究旨在评估在计算机断层扫描中发现的肺小结节的半自动直径和体积测量与人工直径测量的观察者间变异性。方法：检索放射学患者数据库，寻找至少有一个非钙化实性结节（~ 3-10 mm）的CT胸部检查。三名具有四到六年经验的放射科医生根据Fleischner协会指南使用标准直径测量，半自动病变直径测量和体积评估评估每个结节。Spearman相关系数测量了测量间的一致性。我们使用描述性Bland-Altman图来可视化测量数据中的一致性。分析潜在的差异。结果：我们共研究了26个结节。Spearman检验显示，与人工方法（平均r = 0.91±0.017）相比，半自动测径法与容积法的评价相关性（平均r = 0.97±0.017，平均r = 0.99±0.005）显著增强（p < 0.05）。在Bland-Altman测试中，半自动直径测量在所有比较中都优于手动方法，而体积测量方法在三分之二的比较中有更好的结果。审稿人修改软件自动大纲的发生率在62%到92%之间变化。结论：半自动技术显著降低了小实性结节的观察者间变异性，这对诊断评估和筛查具有重要意义。与人工测量方法相比，半自动直径和半自动体积测量方法都有改进。训练可以进一步减少观察者的可变性，因为审稿人之间的调整数量存在相当大的多样性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Tomography Medicine-Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

10.50%

发文量

222

期刊介绍： TomographyTM publishes basic (technical and pre-clinical) and clinical scientific articles which involve the advancement of imaging technologies. Tomography encompasses studies that use single or multiple imaging modalities including for example CT, US, PET, SPECT, MR and hyperpolarization technologies, as well as optical modalities (i.e. bioluminescence, photoacoustic, endomicroscopy, fiber optic imaging and optical computed tomography) in basic sciences, engineering, preclinical and clinical medicine. Tomography also welcomes studies involving exploration and refinement of contrast mechanisms and image-derived metrics within and across modalities toward the development of novel imaging probes for image-based feedback and intervention. The use of imaging in biology and medicine provides unparalleled opportunities to noninvasively interrogate tissues to obtain real-time dynamic and quantitative information required for diagnosis and response to interventions and to follow evolving pathological conditions. As multi-modal studies and the complexities of imaging technologies themselves are ever increasing to provide advanced information to scientists and clinicians. Tomography provides a unique publication venue allowing investigators the opportunity to more precisely communicate integrated findings related to the diverse and heterogeneous features associated with underlying anatomical, physiological, functional, metabolic and molecular genetic activities of normal and diseased tissue. Thus Tomography publishes peer-reviewed articles which involve the broad use of imaging of any tissue and disease type including both preclinical and clinical investigations. In addition, hardware/software along with chemical and molecular probe advances are welcome as they are deemed to significantly contribute towards the long-term goal of improving the overall impact of imaging on scientific and clinical discovery.