A cloud-based computer-aided detection system improves identification of lung nodules on computed tomography scans of patients with extra-thoracic malignancies

Lorenzo Vassallo*, Alberto Traverso, Michelangelo Agnello, Christian Bracco, Delia Campanella, Gabriele Chiara, Maria Evelina Fantacci, Ernesto Lopez Torres, Antonio Manca, Marco Saletta, Valentina Giannini, Simone Mazzetti, Michele Stasi, Piergiorgio Cerello, Daniele Regge

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare unassisted and CAD-assisted detection and time efficiency of radiologists in reporting lung nodules on CT scans taken from patients with extra-thoracic malignancies using a Cloud-based system.Materials and methodsThree radiologists searched for pulmonary nodules in patients with extra-thoracic malignancy who underwent CT (slice thickness/spacing 2 mm/1.7 mm) between September 2015 and March 2016. All nodules detected by unassisted reading were measured and coordinates were uploaded on a cloud-based system. CAD marks were then reviewed by the same readers using the cloud-based interface. To establish the reference standard all nodules 3 mm detected by at least one radiologist were validated by two additional experienced radiologists in consensus. Reader detection rate and reporting time with and without CAD were compared. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. All patients signed written informed consent.ResultsThe series included 225 patients (age range 21-90 years, mean 62 years), including 75 patients having at least one nodule, for a total of 215 nodules. Stand-alone CAD sensitivity for lesions 3 mm was 85% (183/215, 95% CI: 82-91); mean false-positive rate per scan was 3.8. Sensitivity across readers in detecting lesions 3 mm was statistically higher using CAD: 65% (95% CI: 61-69) versus 88% (95% CI: 86-91, p

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)144-152
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Radiology
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2019

Keywords

  • Tomography
  • Radiologists
  • Lung
  • Metastases
  • Neoplasm
  • PULMONARY NODULES
  • RADIOLOGISTS DETECTION
  • DETECTION CAD
  • CT SCANS
  • CHEST CT
  • PERFORMANCE
  • METASTASECTOMY
  • DIAGNOSIS
  • MDCT
  • THORACOTOMY

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