Pulmonary nodule detection on MDCT images: evaluation of diagnostic performance using thin axial images, maximum intensity projections, and computer-assisted detection

• Published in: European radiology Vol. 17; no. 12; pp. 3148 - 3156
• Main Authors: Jankowski, A., Martinelli, T., Timsit, J. F., Brambilla, C., Thony, F., Coulomb, M., Ferretti, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Springer Nature B.V 01.12.2007; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Aged; Analysis of Variance; CAD; Cancer screening; Chest; Computer aided design; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - methods; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic systems; Female; Humans; Life Sciences; Lung cancer; Lung Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Lung nodules; Male; Medical diagnosis; Medical imaging; Medical screening; Middle Aged; Nodules; Observers; Performance evaluation; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Santé publique et épidémiologie; Sensitivity; Sensitivity and Specificity; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 0938-7994; 1432-1084
• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-007-0727-6

This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic benefits of maximum intensity projections (MIP) and a commercially available computed-assisted detection system (CAD) for the detection of pulmonary nodules on MDCT as compared with standard 1-mm images on lung cancer screening material. Thirty subjects were randomly selected from our database. Three radiologists independently reviewed three types of images: axial 1-mm images, axial MIP slabs, and CAD system detections. Two independent experienced chest radiologists decided which were true-positive nodules. Two hundred eighty-five nodules > or =1 mm were identified as true-positive by consensus of two independent chest radiologists. The detection rates of the three independent observers with 1-mm axial images were 22 +/- 4.8%, 30 +/- 5.3%, and 47 +/- 2.8%; with MIP: 33 +/- 5.4%, 39 +/- 5.7%, and 45 +/- 5.8%; and with CAD: 35 +/- 5.6%, 36 +/- 5.6%, and 36 +/- 5.6%. There was a reading technique effect on the observers' sensitivity for nodule detection: sensitivities with MIP were higher than with 1-mm images or CAD for all nodules (F-values = 0.046). For nodules > or =3 mm, readers' sensitivities were higher with 1-mm images or MIP than with CAD (p < 0.0001). CAD was the most and MIP the less time-consuming technique (p < 0.0001). MIP and CAD reduced the number of overlooked small nodules. As MIP is more sensitive and less time consuming than the CAD we used, we recommend viewing MIP and 1-mm images for the detection of pulmonary nodules.