Characterization of radiologists' search strategies for lung nodule detection: slice-based versus volumetric displays.
The goal of this study was to assess whether radiologists' search paths for lung nodule detection in chest computed tomography (CT) between different rendering and display schemes have reliable properties that can be exploited as an indicator of ergonomic efficiency for the purpose of comparing different display paradigms. Eight radiologists retrospectively viewed 30 lung cancer screening CT exams, containing a total of 91 nodules, in each of three display modes [i.e., slice-by-slice, orthogonal maximum intensity projection (MIP) and stereoscopic] for the purpose of detecting and classifying lung nodules. Radiologists' search patterns in the axial direction were recorded and analyzed along with the location, size, and shape for each detected feature, and the likelihood that the feature is an actual nodule. Nodule detection performance was analyzed by employing free-response receiver operating characteristic methods. Search paths were clearly different between slice-by-slice displays and volumetric displays but, aside from training and novelty effects, not between MIP and stereographic displays. Novelty and training effects were associated with the stereographic display mode, as evidenced by differences between the beginning and end of the study. The stereo display provided higher detection and classification performance with less interpretation time compared to other display modes tested in the study; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Our preliminary results indicate a potential role for the use of radiologists' search paths in evaluating the relative ergonomic efficiencies of different display paradigms, but systematic training and practice is necessary to eliminate training curve and novelty effects before search strategies can be meaningfully compared.
Wang
Xiao Hui
XH
Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15231, USA. xwang@mail.magee.edu
Durick
Janet E
JE
Lu
Amy
A
Herbert
David L
DL
Golla
Saraswathi K
SK
Foley
Kristin
K
Piracha
C Samia
CS
Shinde
Dilip D
DD
Shindel
Betty E
BE
Fuhrman
Carl R
CR
Britton
Cynthia A
CA
Strollo
Diane C
DC
Shang
Sherry S
SS
Lacomis
Joan M
JM
Good
Walter F
WF
D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens