Abstract
BackgroundTo assess if radiomics can differentiate benign and malignant subsolid lung nodules (SSNs) on baseline or follow up chest CT examinations. If radiomics can differentiate between benign and malignant subsolid lung nodules, the clinical implications are shorter follow up CT imaging and early recognition of lung adenocarcinoma on imaging.Materials and methodsThe IRB approved retrospective study included 36 patients (mean age 69 ± 8 years; 5 males, 31 females) with 108 SSNs (31benign, 77 malignant) who underwent follow up chest CT for evaluation of indeterminate SSN. All SSNs were identified on both baseline and follow up chest CT. DICOM CT images were deidentified and exported into the open access 3D Slicer software (version 4.7) to obtain radiomic features. Logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for various quantitative parameters were generated with SPSS statistical software.ResultsOnly 2/92 radiomic features (cluster shade and surface volume ratio) enabled differentiation between malignant and benign SSN on baseline chest CT (P = 0.01 and 0.03) with moderate accuracy [AUC 0.624 (0.505–0.743)]. On follow-up CT, 52/92 radiomic features were significantly different between benign and malignant SSN (P: 0.04 - < 0.0001) with improved accuracy [AUC: 0.708 (0.605–0.811), P = 0.04 - < 0.0001]. Radiomics of benign SSN were stable over time, whereas 63/92 radiomic features of malignant SSNs changed significantly between the baseline and follow up chest CT (P: 0.04 - < 0.0001).ConclusionsTemporal changes in radiomic features of subsolid lung nodules favor malignant etiology over benign. The change in radiomics features of subsolid lung nodules can allow shorter follow up CT imaging and early recognition of lung adenocarcinoma on imaging. Radiomic features have limited application in differentiating benign and early malignant SSN on baseline chest CT.
Highlights
To assess if radiomics can differentiate benign and malignant subsolid lung nodules (SSNs) on baseline or follow up chest CT examinations
The change in radiomics features of subsolid lung nodules can allow shorter follow up CT imaging and early recognition of lung adenocarcinoma on imaging
The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that only one radiomic feature (surface-volume ratio, area under curve (AUC) 0.624 (0.505–0.743), P = 0.044] was significantly different between the benign and malignant subsolid nodules (SSN) at the baseline chest CT
Summary
To assess if radiomics can differentiate benign and malignant subsolid lung nodules (SSNs) on baseline or follow up chest CT examinations. If radiomics can differentiate between benign and malignant subsolid lung nodules, the clinical implications are shorter follow up CT imaging and early recognition of lung adenocarcinoma on imaging. Pulmonary nodules (solid and subsolid) are ubiquitous, and often, indeterminate findings on chest CT. The subsolid nodules (SSN) are further classified as pure groundglass (PGGN) and part-solid nodules (PSN). While most small nodules are benign, some nodules are either. The current standard of care for distinguishing benign and malignant pulmonary nodules has disadvantages. Malignancy can be determined rapidly through invasive biopsy procedures including open surgery, percutaneous image-guided, and transbronchial biopsy. Nonsurgical procedures are can have complications such as pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
