Validation of a carotid intima-media thickness border detection program for use in an office setting.
BACKGROUND
A unique semiautomated border detection program (BDP) designed for use on a personal computer was evaluated to determine whether: (1) carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements were bioequivalent to a reference laboratory; and (2) it would allow a novice (NOV) reader with no medical training to accurately and reproducibly measure CIMT.


METHODS
Far-wall CIMT was measured blindly and in duplicate by an experienced and NOV reader using BDP and by a reference laboratory.


RESULTS
Mean CIMT using BDP was bioequivalent to the reference laboratory (two 1-sided T-test, P < .05) with small absolute differences (experienced 0.011 +/- 0.004 mm, NOV 0.022 +/- 0.004 mm). Reproducibility was high, with small coefficients of variation when used by either the experienced (3.1%) or NOV (7.8%) reader.


CONCLUSIONS
CIMT measurements using BDP were accurate and reproducible. It was mastered easily by a NOV reader and appeared suitable for use in an office setting.
Gepner
Adam D
AD
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Korcarz
Claudia E
CE
Aeschlimann
Susan E
SE
LeCaire
Tamara J
TJ
Palta
Mari
M
Tzou
Wendy S
WS
Stein
James H
JH
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D010824:Physicians' Offices; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*