Chi Wan Koo MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Vikram Anand, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Philip Murillo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Luca Bogoni PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Director, Siemens AG

Jane P. Ko MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francis Gerard Girvin MBChB, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maj L. Wickstrom MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

John Patrick Fantauzzi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Charles Florin, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Siemens AG

David Paul Naidich MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Siemens AG Advisory Board, VIDA Diagnostics

To assess efficiency of thoracic computed tomography (CT) interpretation utilizing an automated lung nodule matching program.

Four radiologists independently reviewed 2 serial chest CT exams from each of 57 patients. Each radiologist performed timed manual lung nodule matching. After 6 weeks, all radiologists independently repeated the timed matching portion using an automated nodule matching program. Interpretation time between the manual and automated phases was compared. The impact of nodule size, number, interval growth, location (central vs. peripheral) and proximity to a vessel or airway on interpretation time was determined.

An average of 444 (range 302 to 509) noncalcified solid pulmonary nodules were identified. Nodule matching was significantly faster with the automated program irrespective of the interpreting radiologist (p0.5). The improvement in efficiency for a given patient using the automated technique was proportional to the number of matched nodules (p0.1). Central and peribronchial lesion location did not affect time saved in 3 of 4 readers (p>0.5). Perivascular lesion position correlated positively with matching efficiency for 2 readers (p<0.05).

Automated lung nodule matching program use significantly improves diagnostic efficiency irrespective of interpreting radiologist. The time saved is proportionate to the number of nodules identified and inversely proportional to nodule size. Adoption of such an automated matching program will expedite CT exam interpretation and improve report turnaround time.

Utilization of an automated lung nodule matching program improves diagnostic efficiency which expedites CT exam interpretation and ultimately decreases report turnaround time.

Koo, C, Anand, V, Murillo, P, Bogoni, L, Ko, J, Girvin, F, Wickstrom, M, Fantauzzi, J, Florin, C, Naidich, D, Improved Efficiency of Computed Tomography Interpretation Utilizing an Automated Lung Nodule Matching Program.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11003643.html