Gabriel Bartal MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: Abstract #800030 Russ savage 2 47 2003-11-14T15:55:00Z 2003-11-14T15:55:00Z 1 238 1362 United Stationers Supply Co., 11 2 1672 9.3821 2.85 pt 2   Purpose: We routinely perform coronary artery calcium scoring as part of coronary artery disease evaluation and also view the lunch fields for associated pathology. Our aim was to evaluate detection of lunch nodules using an automatic computer aided detection (CAD) system in patients referred for coronary CT Angiography. Materials and Methods: 3 senior radiologists and a CAD system independently assessed 65 (45 male, 20 female, mean age 53) unenhanced low dose lung MDCT studies (gate 16x1.5mm, 3mm reconstructed slice thickness) that were acquired for coronary artery calcium scoring. We used an automatic CAD system (Netzview, RCADIA Ltd., Haifa, Israel). Results: Based on all 4 evaluations a ground truth of 127 lesions in 45 patients was formed. 23/127 (19%) lesions were definite nodules in 17/45 (38%) patients. The remaining lesions: calcifications, scars, etc., 104/127 (81%) were excluded. Nodule size ranged from 1.3 – 10.0 mm. Three radiologists GB, US, NO and CAD found: 37/127 (29%), 31/127 (24%), 49/127 (39%), 85/127 (67%) of lesions respectively. Nodule detection rates were: GB 10/23 (43%), US 9/23 (39%), NP 9/23 (39%) and CAD 21/23 (91%). Taking into account all 23 definite nodules, CAD sensitivity was 91% with 2.1 FP/patient. Average sensitivity of radiologists using CAD reached 96%, showing a statistically significant improvement (p<0.003). Conclusions: Coronary CTA carries potentially significant non-coronary information. Efficient early detection and evaluation of these lung lesions becomes practical when experienced radiologists are armed with advanced CAD tools. (E.R. and R.G. are shareholders in RCADIA, Ltd.).

Bartal MD, G, Hot Topic: Detection of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules in Coronary CTA--The Potential Role of Computer-Aided Detection.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3800027.html