title: Accuracy and variability of semiautomatic centerline analysis versus manual aortic measurement techniques for TEVAR.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to test whether inter-observer variability and time of diameter measurements for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are improved by semiautomatic centerline analysis compared to manual assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiographies of 30 patients with thoracic aortic disease (mean age 66.8 ± 11.6 years, 23 males) were retrospectively analysed by two blinded experts in vascular radiology. Maximum aortic diameters at three positions relevant to TEVAR were assessed (P1, distal to left common carotid artery; P2, distal to left subclavian artery; and P3, proximal to coeliac trunk) using three measurement techniques: manual axial slices (axial), manual double-oblique multiplanar reformations (MPRs) and semiautomatic centerline analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diameter measurements by both centerline analysis and the axial technique did not significantly differ from MPR (p = 0.17 and p = 0.37). Total deviation index for 0.9 was for P1 2.7 mm (axial), 3.7 mm (MPR), 1.8 mm (centerline); for P2 2.0 mm (axial), 3.6 mm (MPR), 1.8 mm (centerline); and for P3 3.0 mm (axial), 3.5 mm (MPR), 2.5 mm (centerline). Measurement time using centerline analysis was significantly shorter than for assessment by MPR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Centerline analysis provides the least variable and fast diameter measurements in TEVAR patients with the same accuracy as the current reference standard MPR.
authors: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Müller-Eschner
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Rengier
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Partovi
authors: T F
authors: TF
authors: Weber
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Kopp-Schneider
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Geisbüsch
authors: H-U
authors: HU
authors: Kauczor
authors: H
authors: H
authors: von Tengg-Kobligk
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D061827:Dimensional Measurement Accuracy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies