Maria Arraiza, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alberto Alonso-Burgos MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria Lourdes Diaz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria J. Herraiz, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jesus Ciro Pueyo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gorka Bastarrika MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

To compare accuracy and reproducibility of left ventricular volume and mass quantification with automatic segmentation methods versus manual contour tracing in dual-source CT (DSCT) exams.

Exams from twenty-three consecutive patients who underwent DSCT coronary angiography were considered. Directly reconstructed 8 mm slice thickness short-axis images were manually contoured by two blinded independent observers. Cardiac parameters were also quantified using two different commercial software tools which automatically segment the left ventricle (Argus and Circulation, Siemens). Results of left ventricular function parameters (ejection fraction-EF, end-diastolic volume-EDV, end-systolic volume-ESV, stroke volume-SV) and mass were compared. Correlation between different methods and radiologist agreement was also analyzed.

Excellent correlation between radiologists was observed when manually contoured left ventricular function and mass was analyzed (r>0.9, p0.73, p<0.01). With respect to manual contouring, using automatic segmentation methods overestimation of left ventricular volumes and mass (EDV: -16.77±5.31, ESV: -7.34±6.52, SV: -7.346±8.14, mass: 22.88±8.7) and underestimation of ejection fraction (2.88±3.13) was observed. Significantly less time was needed to calculate cardiac function parameters with automatic methods (mean: 443.91±78.7) compared with manual contouring (mean: 240.91±95.20).

Reproducibility of manual quantification of left ventricular function and mass in cardiac DSCT exams was found to be excellent. Automatic segmentation methods allowed to obtain similar results to the ones calculated after manual tracing in a significantly shorter period of time.Automatic segmentation methods allowed to obtain similar results to the ones calculated after manual tracing in a significantly shorter period of time. Differences appear unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Even if automatic segmentation methods allow to estimate left ventricular function and mass need to be improved to equal manual contouring.

Arraiza, M, Alonso-Burgos, A, Diaz, M, Herraiz, M, Pueyo, J, Bastarrika, G, Accuracy of Left Ventricular Function and Mass Quantification in Cardiac DSCT Exams.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5013534.html