title: Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography in the evaluation of stenosis in lower limbs: comparison between visual score and quantitative analysis using a semiautomated 3D software.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the accuracy of a semiautomated 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic angiography software in the evaluation of lower limb stenoses compared to reader evaluation, using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as standard of reference.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty patients with peripheral vascular occlusive disease underwent both DSA and computed tomographic angiography. The vascular tree was divided into 6 segments from distal aorta to popliteal artery. Each district was evaluated for significant stenosis by one experienced vascular radiologist (on axial as well as 3D images) and by a semiautomated 3D software analysis, independently. Evaluation of the vessel evaluation was then repeated by a poorly experienced radiologist twice, first without 3D software analysis and then supported by 3D software analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both experienced radiologist and automated evaluations obtained high statistical results when compared to DSA. The analysis by poorly experienced radiologist obtained lower statistical results, which significantly improved when supported by 3D software analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three-dimensional analysis software should be feasible to identify significant vascular stenoses and may help a poorly experienced radiologist to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioimaging and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Radiology, "A. Gemelli" Hospital, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. roberto.iezzi.md@gmail.com
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iezzi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santoro
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dattesi
authors.forename: Michele Fabio
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: la Torre
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Stasi
authors.forename: Enzo Gabriele
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Maria Antonuccio
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marano
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonomo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; C057937:iomeprol; D007479:Iopamidol