Ces radiol. 2008, 62(3):264-269

Feasibility of computer-aided detection of small pulmonary nodules in clinical practiseOriginal article

Hynek Mírka, Alena Bednářová, Jiří Ferda, Kristýna Ohlídalová, Jan Baxa

Radiodiagnostická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of software for computer-aided detection (CAD) of small pumonary nodules.

Method: Two radiologists with different experience (R1 - 1.5 year, R2 - 10 years) assessed the number of nodules and the evaluation times in 14 CT examinations of patients with multiple pulmonary metastases. In the first instance, they performed the evaluation in an accustomed way. They performed repeated evaluation with CAD system Syngo Lung CAD (Siemens, Forchheim, FRG) after 14 days.

Results: The applicaton of CAD system increased the number of detected nodules. The difference in their total number was not significant (R1 +10.8 %, p = 0.77; R2 +3.8 %, p = 0.66). But in the less experienced radiologist (R1) was found significant difference in the number of nodules with size up to 8 mm (+12 % in the group of nodules up to 4 mm, p = 0.006 and +10.7 % in the group with size 5-8 mm, p = 0.001). In the more experienced radiologist (R2) was found significant increase of the number of nodules in the group with size up to 4 mm (+6.2 %, p = 0.008). In both cases was achieved significant shortening of evaluation times (R1 -62%, p < 0.001; R2 -32 %, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The application of CAD software increased the number of detected lung nodules and decreased evaluation time. It looks more helpful for less experienced radiologist.

Keywords: pulmonary nodule, computer-aided diagnosis, computed tomography

Grants and funding:

Práce byla podpořena výzkumným projektem MSM 0021620819.

Accepted: July 14, 2008; Published: September 1, 2008  Show citation