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Semi-automatic quantification of subsolid pulmonary nodules: comparison with manual measurements
Ernst Th Scholten1, Bartjan de Hoop, Colin Jacobs
1Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Department of Radiology, Kennemer Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Semi-automated software accurately measures subsolid pulmonary nodules (SSNs), offering a feasible alternative to time-consuming manual methods. This approach improves efficiency and agreement for SSN diameter, volume, and mass quantification in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate measurement of subsolid pulmonary nodules (SSNs) is crucial for patient management.
- Traditional manual measurements of SSNs are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Advancements in imaging software aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of nodule quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of semi-automated nodule volumetry software for measuring SSNs.
- To compare the results of semi-automated measurements with traditional manual measurements.
- To assess observer agreement using the semi-automated method.
Main Methods:
- 33 subsolid pulmonary nodules (SSNs) from lung cancer screening participants were analyzed.
- Two observers performed manual measurements, followed by semi-automated measurements using dedicated software.
- Measurements included effective diameter, volume, and mass; comparisons used Bland-Altman plots and paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- Semi-automated measurements were successfully performed on all 33 SSNs.
- Good inter-observer and intra-observer agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.89) was achieved with the semi-automated method.
- Semi-automated measurements resulted in significantly larger estimates for diameter (8.8–10.3%), volume (24.3–26.5%), and mass (10.6–12.0%) compared to manual methods (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Semi-automated measurement of SSN diameter, volume, and mass is feasible and demonstrates good observer agreement.
- This semi-automated approach facilitates the practical quantification of SSN mass and volume in routine clinical settings.
- The software provides a more efficient and reproducible method for SSN assessment in lung cancer screening programs.
