Pulmonary nodules: Effect of increased data sampling on detection with spiral CT and confidence in diagnosis

Julie A. Buckley, William W Scott, Stanley S. Siegelman, Janet E. Kuhlman, Bruce A. Urban, David Alan Bluemke, Elliot K. Fishman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare spiral computed tomography (CT) with interscan spacing of 4-5 mm versus 8-10 mm for detection rate and level of confidence in diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four radiologists (two junior and two senior faculty members) retrospectively reviewed 67 spiral CT studies with one to six nodules per study. Every second image was masked, which resulted in 8-mm sections every 8 or 10 mm; then all images reconstructed every 4 or 5 mm were reviewed. Lesions were classified as definite, probable, or possible. RESULTS: Narrow interscan spacing yielded more lesions overall (583 vs 566, P < .025) and more definite lesions and fewer equivocal lesions (482 vs 431 and 101 vs 135, respectively; P < .055). The greatest effects were in the reduction of possible lesions (50 vs 88, P < .001) and in the reduction of false-positive diagnoses made by less experienced radiologists. CONCLUSION: Increased reconstruction frequency of spiral CT volume data sets improves detection of pulmonary nodules and enhances confidence in the diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)395-400
Number of pages6
JournalRADIOLOGY
Volume196
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1995

Keywords

  • Computed tomography (CT), helical
  • Computed tomography (CT), image processing
  • Lung, nodule

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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