Abstract
Rationale
We aimed to test the interscan variation of semi-automatic volumetry of subsolid nodules (SSNs), as growth evaluation is important for SSN management.
Methods
From a lung cancer screening trial all SSNs that were stable over at least 3 months were included (N = 44). SSNs were quantified on the baseline CT by two observers using semi-automatic volumetry software for effective diameter, volume, and mass. One observer also measured the SSNs on the second CT 3 months later. Interscan variation was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Observer agreement was calculated as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Data are presented as mean (± standard deviation) or median and interquartile range (IQR). A Mann-Whitney U test was used for the analysis of the influence of adjustments on the measurements.
Results
Semi-automatic measurements were feasible in all 44 SSNs. The interscan limits of agreement ranged from -12.0 % to 9.7 % for diameter, -35.4 % to 28.6 % for volume and -27.6 % to 30.8 % for mass. Agreement between observers was good with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.978, 0.957, and 0.968 for diameter, volume, and mass, respectively.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that when using our software an increase in mass of 30 % can be regarded as significant growth.
Key Points
• Recently, recommendations regarding subsolid nodules have stressed the importance of growth quantification.
• Volumetric measurement of subsolid nodules is feasible with good interscan agreement.
• Increase of mass of 30 % can be regarded as significant growth.
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Acknowledgements
The scientific guarantor of this publication is Prof. Dr. W.P.Th.M.Mali. The authors of this manuscript declare relationships with the following companies: Prof. Dr. B. van Ginneken is affiliated with Fraunhofer MeVis, Bremen, Germany. The NELSON trial has received funding from Zorg Onderzoek Nederland-Medische Wetenschappen (ZonMw), KWF Kankerbestrijding, Stichting Centraal Fonds Reserves van Voormalig Vrijwillige Ziekenfondsverzekeringen (RvvZ), G. Ph. Verhagen Foundation, Rotterdam Oncologic Thoracic Study Group (ROTS) and Erasmus Trust Fund, Stichting tegen Kanker, Vlaamse Liga tegen Kanker, and LOGO Leuven and Hageland. One of the authors has significant statistical expertise. No complex statistical methods were necessary for this paper. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects (patients) in this study. Methodology: retrospective, observational, multicenter study/performed at one institution.
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Dutch-Belgian lung cancer screening trial (NELSON; ISRCTN63545820).
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Scholten, E.T., de Jong, P.A., Jacobs, C. et al. Interscan variation of semi-automated volumetry of subsolid pulmonary nodules. Eur Radiol 25, 1040–1047 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3478-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3478-1