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CAD (computed-aided detection) and CADx (computer aided diagnosis) systems in identifying and characterising lung nodules on chest CT: overview of research, developments and new prospects

Sistemi CAD (computed aided detection-diagnosis) applicati alla TC nella identificazione e caratterizzazione dei noduli polmonari: evoluzione nel tempo e nuove prospettive

  • Chest Radiology/Radiologia Toracica
  • Published:
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Abstract

Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems allow the automatic identification of lung nodules on chest computed tomography (CT), providing a second opinion to the radiologist’s judgement and a volumetric evaluation of lesions — a very important aspect in oncological patients. The natural evolution of these systems has led to the introduction of computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) systems, which are able not only to identify nodules but also to characterise them by determining a likelihood of malignancy or benignity. The aim of this article is to describe the main technical principles of CAD and CADx systems, their applicability and influence in clinical practice and new prospects for their future development.

Riassunto

I sistemi computed aided detection (CAD) applicati alla tomografia computerizzata (TC) del torace, permettono l’identificazione automatica dei noduli polmonari, fornendo una seconda lettura al giudizio del radiologo e la valutazione volumetrica automatizzata delle lesioni, estremamente importante soprattutto in campo oncologico. La nuova frontiera nello sviluppo di questi sistemi è rappresentata dall’introduzione dei sistemi CAD di diagnosi (computed aided diagnosis) in grado non solo di effettuare l’identificazione dei noduli, ma anche una loro caratterizzazione, con l’elaborazione di un indice della probabilità di malignità o benignità della lesione. Lo scopo di questo articolo è quello di esporre i principi tecnici generali che regolano il funzionamento dei sistemi CAD, la loro applicabilità e influenza nella pratica clinica, e le nuove prospettive per il loro sviluppo nel panorama radiologico odierno in continua evoluzione.

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  1. Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, V.le Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy

    F. Fraioli, G. Serra & R. Passariello

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  1. F. Fraioli
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  2. G. Serra
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  3. R. Passariello
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Correspondence to F. Fraioli.

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Fraioli, F., Serra, G. & Passariello, R. CAD (computed-aided detection) and CADx (computer aided diagnosis) systems in identifying and characterising lung nodules on chest CT: overview of research, developments and new prospects. Radiol med 115, 385–402 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-010-0507-2

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