Spiral CT of pulmonary nodules: interobserver variation in assessment of lesion size

Abstract.

The aim of this study was to assess interobserver variability in size determination of pulmonary nodules at spiral CT. Twenty-three patients with known pulmonary nodules (diameter 2–40 mm, mean diameter 7 mm) underwent spiral chest CT (collimation 5 mm, pitch 1). Images were reconstructed at 3- and 5-mm intervals (RI). Hard copies were analyzed by two radiologists who recorded every nodule with regard to location, diagnostic confidence (“definite,”“probable”) and nodule size in increments of 1 mm with specific attention to correct classification into one of three size classes (≤ 5 mm, 6–10 mm, > 10 mm). Interobserver variability was determined with Pearson's correlation coefficient and k measure. Of a total of 286 nodules, 103 nodules were found accordingly by both readers at 3 mm RI, and 96 at 5 mm RI. There was a good correlation of measurements (in millimeters) between both readers (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.89–0.95). Interobserver variability in categories was good at both reconstruction intervals (k: 0.61 at 3 mm, 0.74 at 5 mm RI) and very good (0.81) at 5 mm RI when uncertain nodules were excluded. Spiral CT allows reproducible size determination of pulmonary nodules as shown by good interobserver agreement in exact size measurement and categorization into three size classes.