MDCT interpretation of the ascending aorta with semiautomated measurement software: improved reproducibility compared with manual techniques

J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr. 2014 Mar-Apr;8(2):108-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jcct.2013.12.009. Epub 2014 Jan 11.

Abstract

Background: Treatment decisions for ascending aortic aneurysms are guided by measurements from CT angiograms.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of these measurements by using manual techniques and advanced imaging software.

Methods: Two radiologists measured maximal ascending aorta diameter on CT angiograms in 30 subjects at 4 separate reading sessions-2 with manual techniques and 2 with semiautomated software analysis. Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were assessed with Bland-Altman plots and Spearman correlation coefficients.

Results: Interobserver variability was smaller for the software-assisted method. Limits of agreement for the manual method were -4.2 mm and 9.2 mm compared with -4.0 mm and 4.6 mm for the software-assisted method; coefficients of repeatability were 6.8 mm and 4.3 mm. Intraobserver variability was inconsistent between readers. Strong correlation was found between observers who used both methods (R(2) = 0.8078-0.9881; P < .05 for all).

Conclusion: The use of an advanced imaging software for measurement of ascending aortic aneurysm reduces interobserver variability.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Aorta; CT angiogram; Centerline analysis; Measurement techniques; Measurement variability.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortography / methods*
  • Automation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Observer Variation
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Software*