Variation of Densitometry on Computed Tomography in COPD – Influence of Different Software Tools

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112898
• Publication Date: 2014-11-11T14:07:10Z
• Authors: Mark O. Wielpütz; Diana Bardarova; Oliver Weinheimer; Hans-Ulrich Kauczor; Monika Eichinger; Bertram J. Jobst; Ralf Eberhardt; Marcel Koenigkam-...; Michael Puderbach; Claus P. Heussel
• Keywords: Densitometry; Plethysmograph; Vital capacity

Objectives Quantitative multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) as a potential biomarker is increasingly used for severity assessment of emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aim this study was to evaluate the user-independent measurement variability between five different fully-automatic densitometry software tools. Material and Methods MDCT full-body plethysmography incl. forced expiratory volume 1s total lung capacity were available 49 patients with advanced COPD (age = 64±9 years, 31±6% predicted). Measurement variation regarding volume, index, mean density evaluated two scientific three commercially tools designed analyze from scanner types. Results One tool one commercial failed process most or all datasets, respectively, excluded. another analyzed 49, remaining 30 datasets. Lung index significantly amongst these (p<0.001). Limits agreement [−0.195, −0.052l], [−0.305, −0.131l], [−0.123, −0.052l] correlation coefficients r 1.00 each. [−6.2, 2.9%], [−27.0, 16.9%], [−25.5, 18.8%], 0.79 0.98. Correlation good excellent (r 0.77 0.91, p<0.001), but segmented (6.7±1.3 – 6.8±1.3l) lower than (7.7±1.7l, p<0.001). Conclusions Technical incompatibilities hindered evaluation The showed significant emphysema, hampering quantitative COPD. Follow-up studies should currently use identical software, standardization efforts encompass well.