The Use of a Local Histogram Feature Vector of Classifying Diffuse Lung Opacities in High-Resolution Computed Tomography

Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Mitani ◽  
Yusuke Fujita ◽  
Naofumi Matsunaga ◽  
Yoshihiko Hamamoto
2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512199579
Author(s):  
Simon S Martin ◽  
Delina Kolaneci ◽  
Julian L Wichmann ◽  
Lukas Lenga ◽  
Doris Leithner ◽  
...  

Background High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is essential in narrowing the possible differential diagnoses of diffuse and interstitial lung diseases. Purpose To investigate the value of a novel computer-based decision support system (CDSS) for facilitating diagnosis of diffuse lung diseases at HRCT. Material and Methods A CDSS was developed that includes about 100 different illustrations of the most common HRCT signs and patterns and describes the corresponding pathologies in detail. The logical set-up of the software facilitates a structured evaluation. By selecting one or more CT patterns, the program generates a ranked list of the most likely differential diagnoses. Three independent and blinded radiology residents initially evaluated 40 cases with different lung diseases alone; after at least 12 weeks, observers re-evaluated all cases using the CDSS. Results In 40 patients, a total of 113 HRCT patterns were evaluated. The percentage of correctly classified patterns was higher with CDSS (96.8%) compared to assessment without CDSS (90.3%; P < 0.01). Moreover, the percentage of correct diagnosis (81.7% vs. 64.2%) and differential diagnoses (89.2% vs. 38.3%) were superior with CDSS compared to evaluation without CDSS (both P < 0.01). Conclusion Addition of a CDSS using a structured approach providing explanations of typical HRCT patterns and graphical illustrations significantly improved the performance of trainees in characterizing and correctly identifying diffuse lung diseases.


2008 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 870-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Sundaram ◽  
B. H. Gross ◽  
E. Oh ◽  
N. Müller ◽  
J. D. Myles ◽  
...  

Background: The accuracy of the number of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images necessary to diagnose diffuse lung disease (DLD) is not well established. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of HRCT sampling frequency on reader confidence and accuracy for diagnosing DLD. Material and Methods: HRCT images of 100 consecutive patients with proven DLD were reviewed. They were: 48 usual interstitial pneumonia, 22 sarcoidosis, six hypersensitivity pneumonitis, five each of desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and nine others. Inspiratory images at 1-cm increments throughout the lungs and three specified levels formed complete and limited examinations. In random order, three experts (readers 1, 2, and 3) ranked their top three diagnoses and rated confidence for their top diagnosis, independently and blinded to clinical information. Results: Using the complete versus limited examinations for correct first-choice diagnosis, accuracy for reader 1 (R1) was 81% versus 80%, respectively, for reader 2 (R2) 70% versus 70%, and for reader 3 (R3) 64% versus 59%. Reader accuracy within their top three choices for complete versus limited examinations was: R1 91% versus 91% of cases, respectively, R2 84% versus 83%, and R3 79% versus 72% of cases. No statistically significant differences were found between the diagnosis methods ( P=0.28 for first diagnosis and P=0.17 for top three choices). The confidence intervals for individual raters showed considerable overlap, and the point estimates are almost identical. The mean interreader agreement for complete versus limited HRCT for both top and top three diagnoses were the same (moderate and fair, respectively). The mean intrareader agreement between complete and limited HRCT for top and top three diagnoses were substantial and moderate, respectively. Conclusion: Overall reader accuracy and confidence in diagnosis did not significantly differ when fewer or more HRCT images were used.


Author(s):  
Poonam Vohra ◽  
Harsumeet S. Sidhu

Background: Diffuse lung diseases describe a heterogeneous group of disorders of the lower respiratory tract characterized by inflammation and derangement of the interstitium and loss of functional alveolar units. The disease is not restricted to the interstitium only, as it involves epithelial, endothelial and mesenchymal cells with the disease process extending into the alveoli, acini and bronchioles. Thus, the entire pulmonary parenchyma is involved. The objective of the study was to evaluate diffuse lung diseases by high resolution computed tomography of chest.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was done in 30 patients. Adult patients of either sex of age group 18 and above showing reticular opacities on chest X-ray and those patients who were incidentally diagnosed as cases of diffuse lung diseases on HRCT chest were included in present study.Results: Reticular opacities were the most common roentgenographic finding followed by reticulonodular opacities. On HRCT, intra and interlobular septal thickening was the most common finding in Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (usual interstitial pneumonia).Conclusions: High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is superior to the plain chest X-ray for early detection and confirmation of suspected diffuse lung diseases. In addition, HRCT allows better assessment of the extent and distribution of disease, and it is especially useful in the investigation of patients with a normal chest radiograph. Coexisting disease is often best recognized on HRCT scanning.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (144) ◽  
pp. 170008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett M. Elicker ◽  
Kimberly G. Kallianos ◽  
Travis S. Henry

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lung is a key component of the multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis in diffuse lung disease (DLD). HRCT also plays an important role in the follow-up of patients with established DLD. In this respect, serial HRCT examinations may provide valuable information that cannot be determined from clinical history and other diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests. Important roles of HRCT in this context include assisting in determining prognosis, monitoring for the efficacy of treatment, detecting progression of disease or complications, and evaluating patients with worsening or acute symptoms. Both clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the expected evolution of HRCT changes in a variety of DLDs. The goals of this paper are to discuss: 1) the expected evolution of HRCT findings over time in common DLDs; 2) the role of serial HRCT examinations in formulating an initial diagnosis; and 3) the role of HRCT in the follow-up of patients with known DLD.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document