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Assessment of intraaxial and extraaxial brain lesions with digitized computed tomographic images versus film: ROC
S M el-Saden1, G J Hademenos, W Zhu
1Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for the Health Sciences 90024-1721, USA.
Rationale And Objectives:
The authors evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of viewing computed tomographic (CT) scans as film versus soft-copy images at a workstation.
Methods:
Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the interpretation of 202 CT scans (103 were normal, 99 were abnormal) by five neuroradiologists was performed. Abnormal images contained high- or low-attenuation intraaxial lesions or extraaxial fluid (subdural, subarachnoid, or epidural hemorrhage). Hard copies were read on a standard light box, and digital images were examined at a 1,024 x 1,250 workstation. Lesion location and type and confidence ratings were recorded on a worksheet.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between the two display modes. Reader performance was slightly better with the workstation in the assessment of low-attenuation lesions.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic accuracy is similar for CT scans displayed at a workstation and those displayed as hard copy in the assessment of subtle intra- and extraaxial brain lesions.