Differentiating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis from COVID-19 Pneumonia Using a CT-based Radiomics Nomogram.

Abstract

Introduction: We developed and validated a novel CT-based radiomics nomogram aimed at improving the differentiation between checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) and COVID-19 pneumonia, addressing the persistent clinical uncertainty in pneumonia diagnosis.

Methods: A total of 97 patients were enrolled. CT image segmentation was performed, extracting 1,688 radiomics features. Feature selection was conducted using variance thresholding, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the Select K Best methods, resulting in the identification of 33 optimal features. Several classification models (K-Nearest Neighbors [KNN], Support Vector Machine [SVM], and Stochastic Gradient Descent [SGD]) were trained and validated using a 70:30 split and fivefold cross-validation. A radiomics nomogram was subsequently developed, incorporating the radiomics signature (Rad-score) alongside clinical factors. It was assessed based on area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results: The SVM classifier exhibited the highest performance, achieving an AUC of 0.988 in the training cohort and 0.945 in the validation cohort. The constructed radiomics nomogram demonstrated a markedly improved predictive accuracy compared to the clinical model alone (AUC: 0.853 vs. 0.810 in training; 0.932 vs. 0.924 in validation). Calibration curves indicated a strong alignment of the model with observed outcomes, while DCA confirmed a greater net benefit across various threshold probabilities.

Discussion: A radiomics nomogram integrated with radiomics signatures, demographics, and CT findings facilitates CIP differentiation from COVID-19, improving diagnostic efficacy.

Conclusion: Radiomics acts as a potential modality to supplement conventional medical examinations.