Intra-observer and inter-observer agreements for the measurement of dual-input whole tumor computed tomography perfusion in patients with lung cancer: Influences of the size and inner-air density of tumors.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study was conducted to assess intra-observer and inter-observer agreements for the measurement of dual-input whole tumor computed tomography perfusion (DCTP) in patients with lung cancer.

METHODS:

A total of 88 patients who had undergone DCTP, which had proved a diagnosis of primary lung cancer, were divided into two groups: (i) nodules (diameter ≤3 cm) and masses (diameter >3 cm) by size, and (ii) tumors with and without air density. Pulmonary flow, bronchial flow, and pulmonary index were measured in each group. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreements for measurement were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient, within-subject coefficient of variation, and Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS:

In all lung cancers, the reproducibility coefficient for intra-observer agreement (range 26.1-38.3%) was superior to inter-observer agreement (range 38.1-81.2%). Further analysis revealed lower agreements for nodules compared to masses. Additionally, inner-air density reduced both agreements for lung cancer.

CONCLUSION:

The intra-observer agreement for measuring lung cancer DCTP was satisfied, while the inter-observer agreement was limited. The effects of tumoral size and inner-air density to agreements, especially between two observers, should be emphasized. In future, an automatic computer-aided segment of perfusion value of the tumor should be developed.

• Authors: Qingle Wang, Zhiyong Zhang, Fei Shan, Yuxin Shi, Wei Xing, Liangrong Shi, Xingwei Zhang
• Journal: Thoracic cancer (Thorac Cancer) Vol. 8 Issue 5 Pg. 427-435 (09 2017) ISSN: 1759-7714 [Electronic] Singapore
• PMID: 28585375 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2017 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Observer Variation
• Perfusion Imaging (methods)
• Reproducibility of Results
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed (methods)
• Tumor Burden