title: Computerized lung sound analysis as diagnostic aid for the detection of abnormal lung sounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The standardized use of a stethoscope for chest auscultation in clinical research is limited by its inherent inter-listener variability. Electronic auscultation and automated classification of recorded lung sounds may help prevent some of these shortcomings.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies implementing computerized lung sound analysis (CLSA) to aid in the detection of abnormal lung sounds for specific respiratory disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched for articles on CLSA in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Knowledge through July 31, 2010. Following qualitative review, we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of CLSA for the detection of abnormal lung sounds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 208 articles identified, we selected eight studies for review. Most studies employed either electret microphones or piezoelectric sensors for auscultation, and Fourier Transform and Neural Network algorithms for analysis and automated classification of lung sounds. Overall sensitivity for the detection of wheezes or crackles using CLSA was 80% (95% CI 72-86%) and specificity was 85% (95% CI 78-91%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While quality data on CLSA are relatively limited, analysis of existing information suggests that CLSA can provide a relatively high specificity for detecting abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and wheezes. Further research and product development could promote the value of CLSA in research studies or its diagnostic utility in clinical settings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Arati
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gurung
authors.forename: Carolyn G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Scrafford
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tielsch
authors.forename: Orin S
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Checkley
mesh_terms: D001314:Auscultation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D019023:Stethoscopes