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Aortic aneurysm volume calculation: effect of operator experience.
D P Caldwell1, K A Pulfer, G R Jaggi
1Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-3252, USA.
Abdominal Imaging
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Operator experience significantly impacts abdominal aortic aneurysm volume measurement accuracy. Experienced readers show higher precision, crucial for detecting endoleaks via sequential scans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Sequential volumetric analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) aids in endoleak exclusion post-aortic endostent placement.
- Operator experience is a potential variable affecting the accuracy of volumetric calculations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effect of varying operator experience levels on the accuracy of abdominal aneurysm volume calculations.
- To establish a margin of error for AAA volume measurements based on operator expertise.
Main Methods:
- Four operators with distinct experience levels (high, moderate, low) performed volumetric calculations on 10 AAA patient scans at two separate time points.
- Volume calculations were performed using a GE Advantage 4.0 workstation.
- Operators were categorized by their experience in 3D/CT analysis.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences (p < 0.005) were observed in volume measurement accuracy based on operator experience.
- Average percent volume differences were 1.2% (experienced), 3.2% (moderately experienced), and 5.8-6.0% (low experience).
Conclusions:
- A direct correlation exists between operator experience level and the percent margin of error in AAA volume measurement.
- Accurate diagnosis of endoleak, relying on aneurysm volume changes in serial scans, must consider the operator's experience level.