Intra- and inter-operator reproducibility of automated cloud-based carotid lumen diameter ultrasound measurement

Abstract

Background Common carotid artery lumen diameter (LD) ultrasound measurement systems are either manual or semi-automated and lack reproducibility and variability studies. This pilot study presents an automated and cloud-based LD measurements software system (AtheroCloud) and evaluates its: (i) intra/inter-operator reproducibility and (ii) intra/inter-observer variability. Methods 100 patients (83 M, mean age: 68 ± 11 years), IRB approved, consisted of L/R CCA artery (200 ultrasound images), acquired using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer. The intra/inter-operator reproducibility was verified using three operator’s readings. Near-wall and far carotid wall borders were manually traced by two observers for intra/inter-observer variability analysis. Results The mean coefficient of correlation (CC) for intra- and inter-operator reproducibility between all the three automated reading pairs were: 0.99 (P < 0.0001) and 0.97 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The mean CC for intra- and inter-observer variability between both the manual reading pairs were 0.98 (P < 0.0001) and 0.98 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The Figure-of-Merit between the mean of the three automated readings against the four manuals were 98.32%, 99.50%, 98.94% and 98.49%, respectively. Conclusions The AtheroCloud LD measurement system showed high intra/inter-operator reproducibility hence can be adapted for vascular screening mode or pharmaceutical clinical trial mode.

Nonlinear model for the carotid artery disease 10‐year risk prediction by fusing conventional cardiovascular factors to carotid ultrasound image phenotypes: A Japanese diabetes cohort study

“…The carotid image‐based phenotypes were measured using automated software AtheroEdge ™ . The accuracy and reproducibility of all the five image‐based phenotypes were tested against the gold standard (an expert) and CT . The performance of a complete system that measured image‐based phenotypes has also been validated in our previous work .…”

“…The automated carotid image phenotype measured by AtheroEdge ™ was validated against the gold standard (an expert) and CT . As part of the study, the image phenotypes were tested for reproducibility in our previous studies . AtheroEdge ™ system has been studied widely to link the routine cIMT measurements with ankle‐brachial index (ABI), SYNTAX score, and coronary calcium volume .…”

Morphological Carotid Plaque Area Is Associated With Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Study of South Asian Indian Patients With Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease

“…These data were then used for inter- and intraobserver variability analysis. 15,56,72 The intra- and interobserver variability analysis indicated a minimum variation among the readings taken by the different observers at different times. The mean distance between the readings was computed using an innovative polyline distance metric.…”

“…The ImgTracer is a user-friendly system and is adapted in several studies around the world. 44,47,48,51 –56 Several papers have been published with applications for lung cancer, 57,58 carotid CT imaging, 19,22,44,59,60 carotid MR imaging, 61 skin cancer imaging, 62,63 coronary studies, 43,48,52,53,64 –66 and CUS. 19,50,51,67 –71 The above manual tracing procedure was repeated by several neurologists over the course of time.…”

Does the Carotid Bulb Offer a Better 10-Year CVD/Stroke Risk Assessment Compared to the Common Carotid Artery? A 1516 Ultrasound Scan Study

“…49,58,61 The automated system was tested for intra-and interoperator variability and reproducibility that showed minimal variations in CUSIP with high reproducibility. 62,63 The Integrated 10-year CVD Risk Calculator…”