Comparison of standard reading and computer aided detection (CAD) on a national proficiency test of screening mammography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of computer aided detection (CAD) in improving the interpretation of screening mammograms


METHODS
Ten radiologists underwent a proficiency test of screening mammography first by conventional reading and then with the help of CAD. Radiologists were blinded to test results for the whole study duration. Results of conventional and CAD reading were compared in terms of sensitivity and recall rate. Double reading was simulated combining conventional readings of four expert radiologists and compared with CAD reading.


RESULTS
Considering all ten readings, cancer was identified in 146 or 153 of 170 cases (85.8 vs. 90.0%; chi(2)=0.99, df=1, P=0.31) and recalls were 106 or 152 of 1330 cases (7.9 vs. 11.4%; chi(2)=8.69, df=1, P=0.003) at conventional or CAD reading, respectively. CAD reading was essentially the same (sensitivity 97.0 vs. 96.0%; chi(2)=7.1, df=1, P=0.93; recall rate 10.7 vs. 10.6%; chi(2)=1.5, df=1, P=0.96) as compared with simulated conventional double reading.


CONCLUSIONS
CAD reading seems to improve the sensitivity of conventional reading while reducing specificity, both effects being of limited size. CAD reading had almost the same performance of simulated conventional double reading, suggesting a possible use of CAD which needs to be confirmed by further studies inclusive of cost-effective analysis.
Ciatto
Stefano
S
Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Viale A Volta 171, I-50131 Florence, Italy. s.ciatto@cspo.it
Del Turco
Marco Rosselli
MR
Risso
Gabriella
G
Catarzi
Sandra
S
Bonardi
Rita
R
Viterbo
Valeria
V
Gnutti
Pierangela
P
Guglielmoni
Barbara
B
Pinelli
Lelio
L
Pandiscia
Anna
A
Navarra
Francesco
F
Lauria
Adele
A
Palmiero
Rosa
R
Indovina
Pietro Luigi
PL
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity