The Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC): A quality assurance model for the collection of expert-defined "truth" in lung-nodule-based image analysis studies

Samuel G. Armato, Rachael Y. Roberts, Geoffrey McLennan, Michael F. McNitt-Gray, David Yankelevitz, Ella A. Kazerooni, Edwin J.R. Van Beek, Heber MacMahon, Denise R. Aberle, Charles R. Meyer, Anthony P. Reeves, Claudia I. Henschke, Eric A. Hoffman, Barbara Y. Croft, Laurence P. Clarke

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The development of computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems requires an initial establishment of "truth" by expert human observers. Potential inconsistencies in the "truth" data must be identified and corrected before investigators can rely on this data. We developed a quality assurance model to supplement the "truth" collection process for lung nodules on CT scans. A two-phase process was established for the interpretation of CT scans by four radiologists. During the initial "blinded read," radiologists independently assigned lesions they identified into one of three categories: "nodule > 3mm," "nodule < 3mm," or "non-nodule > 3mm." During the subsequent "unblinded read," the blinded read results of all radiologists were revealed. The radiologists then independently reviewed their marks along with their colleague's marks; a radiologist's own marks could be left unchanged, deleted, switched in terms of lesion category, or additional marks could be added. The final set of marks underwent quality assurance, which consisted of identification of potential errors that occurred during the reading process and error correction. All marks were visually grouped into discrete nodules. Six categories of potential error were defined, and any nodule with a mark that satisfied the criterion for one of these categories was referred to the radiologist who assigned the mark in question. The radiologist either corrected the mark or confirmed that the mark was intentional. A total of 829 nodules were identified by at least one radiologist in 100 CT scans through the two-phase process designed to capture "truth." The quality assurance process yielded 81 nodules with potential errors. The establishment of "truth" mut incorporate a quality assurance model to guarantee the integrity of the "truth" that will provide the basis for the training and testing of CAD systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2007
Subtitle of host publicationComputer-Aided Diagnosis
EditionPART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
EventMedical Imaging 2007: Computer-Aided Diagnosis - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 20 Feb 200722 Feb 2007

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
NumberPART 2
Volume6514
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMedical Imaging 2007: Computer-Aided Diagnosis
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period20/02/0722/02/07

Keywords

  • Database construction
  • Detection
  • X-ray CT

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