Comparison of Inter-Method Agreement and Reliability for Automatic Brain Volumetry Using Three Different Clinically
Kwang Ho Choi1, Young Jin Heo2, Hye Jin Baek3,4
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, 20 Geumo-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si 50612, Republic of Korea.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|May 25, 2024
Summary
Brain volumetric software packages like FreeSurfer, NeuroQuant, and Heuron AD show high reliability but significant differences in measurements. Results indicate that brain volume data should be interpreted cautiously based on the specific software used.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Imaging Analysis
- Neurology
Background:
- Comparative studies on brain volumetric software agreement are lacking.
- Clinically available software packages include FreeSurfer (FS), NeuroQuant (NQ), and Heuron AD (HAD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate inter-method agreement and reliability of FS, NQ, and HAD.
- To assess the consistency of brain volume measurements across different software.
- To inform clinical interpretation of volumetric data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 78 patients with memory impairment (normal, MCI, AD).
- Analysis of 3D T1-weighted imaging using FS, NQ, and HAD.
- Statistical evaluation using ANOVA, ICC, effect sizes, and Bland-Altman analysis.
Main Results:
- Substantial to almost perfect agreement observed for most brain regions, except bilateral globi pallidi.
- Significant mean differences and systematic biases found across software packages, with wide limits of agreement.
- Pallidum and cortical gray matter showed largest effect sizes in specific comparisons.
Conclusions:
- Brain volume measurements from these software packages exhibit significant differences and biases despite good reliability.
- Interpretation of volumetric data requires consideration of the specific software used, especially for smaller brain structures.
- Replaceability limitations exist, necessitating careful consideration in clinical practice.
