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Sources of false positives in computer-assisted CT colonography

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Abstract

The application of computer-aided detection (CAD) is expected to improve reader sensitivity and to reduce inter-observer variance in computed tomographic (CT) colonography. However, current CAD systems display a large number of false-positive (FP) detections. The reviewing of a large number of FP CAD detections increases interpretation time, and it may also reduce the specificity and/or sensitivity of a computer-assisted reader. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the patterns and pitfalls of FP CAD detections. This pictorial essay reviews common sources of FP CAD detections that have been observed in the literature and in our experiments in computer-assisted CT colonography. Also the recommended computer-assisted reading technique is described.

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Abbreviations

CT:

Computed tomographic

2D:

Two-dimensional

3D:

Three-dimensional

CAD:

Computer-aided detection

FP:

False-positive

ICV:

Ileocecal valve

EC:

Electronic cleansing

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Acknowledgment

Some of the CT colonography data used in this study were provided by Dr. Richard Choi (Virtual Colonoscopy Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA).

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Correspondence to Janne J. Näppi.

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Näppi, J.J., Nagata, K. Sources of false positives in computer-assisted CT colonography. Abdom Imaging 36, 153–164 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-010-9625-5

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