Computer-aided detection in computed tomography colonography with full fecal tagging: comparison of standalone performance of 3 automated polyp detection systems.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to compare the performance of 3 computer-aided detection (CAD) polyp algorithms in computed tomography colonography (CTC) with fecal tagging.


METHODS
CTC data sets of 33 patients were retrospectively analysed by 3 different CAD systems: system 1, MedicSight; system 2, Colon CAD; and system 3, Polyp Enhanced View. The polyp database comprised 53 lesions, including 6 cases of colorectal cancer, and was established by consensus reading and comparison with colonoscopy. Lesions ranged from 6-40 mm, with 25 lesions larger than 10 mm in size. Detection and false-positive (FP) rates were calculated.


RESULTS
CAD systems 1 and 2 could be set to have varying sensitivities with higher FP rates for higher sensitivity levels. Sensitivities for system 1 ranged from 73%-94% for all lesions (78%-100% for lesions > or =10 mm) and, for system 2, from 64%-94% (78%-100% for lesions > or =10 mm). System 3 reached an overall sensitivity of 76% (100% for lesions > or =10 mm). The mean FP rate per patient ranged from 8-32 for system 1, from 1-8 for system 2, and was 5 for system 3. At the highest sensitivity level for all polyps (94%), system 2 showed a statistically significant lower FP rate compared with system 1 (P = .001). When analysing lesions > or =10 mm, system 3 had significantly fewer FPs than systems 1 and 2 (P < .012).


CONCLUSIONS
Standalone CTC-CAD analysis in the selected patient collective showed the 3 systems tested to have a variable but overall promising performance with respect to sensitivity and the FP rate.
Hein
Patrick A
PA
Department of Radiology, Charité-University Hospital, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany. patrick.hein@charite.de
Krug
Lasse D
LD
Romano
Valentina C
VC
Kandel
Sonja
S
Hamm
Bernd
B
Rogalla
Patrik
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide