Reliability of ABC/2 Method in Measuring of Infarct Volume in Magnetic Resonance Diffusion-Weighted Image

Manual planimetry is the current method defining infarct volume on magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted image. ABC/2 method is an ellipsoid geometric formula with advantage estimation of intraparenchymal hemorrhage volume. Our study aimed to find the reliability and reproducibility of ABC/2 method compared to manual planimetric segmentation method.

This was a cross-sectional analytical study with retrospective and prospective data collection.

A total of 109 patients with acute ischemic stroke and underwent MR images at Ramathibodi Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Relationship between manual planimetric segmentation and ABC/2 methods (nonadjusted ABC/2 method and adjusted ABC*/2 method) was determined using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, linear regression analysis, and Bland-Altman plot. Subgroup analysis by location, onset, shape, and size of infarct volume was performed. Interobserver reliability was established using intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot.

Wilcoxon signed-rank test, linear regression analysis, and Bland-Altman plot were used for statistical analysis.

Infarct volume measured with nonadjusted ABC/2 method (23.56, 48.81, 4.25, 0.11, 318.94) (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum) and adjusted ABC*/2 method (13.37, 28.3, 2.08, 0.06, 170.10) was smaller than manual planimetric method (28.50, 58.64, 5.56, 0.27, 335.49) (P < 0.001). Linear regression's slope confirmed underestimation of volume infarct. In round-to-ellipsoid shape and white matter group, the differences found between nonadjusted ABC/2 and manual planimetric methods are not statistically significant.

ABC/2 method is a simple, rapid, and reproducible method with an excellent positive correlation of both adjusted and nonadjusted ABC/2 methods to manual planimetric segmentation method but tendency to underestimated infarct volume. High interobserver reliability and good agreement between two observers have been established. The utilization of nonadjusted ABC/2 method should be used with caution due to its tendency to underestimate the infarct volume.