Evaluating the impact on operator performance of quantification algorithms

J. Ross Mitchell, Stephen J. Karlik, Donald H. Lee, Michael Eliasziw, George P. Rice, Aaron Fenster

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Quantifying changes in the number and extent of lesions in MR images has been used to indicate disease activity in Multiple Sclerosis. However, quantification is often long and arduous. This has prompted research into new quantification and image processing algorithms to speed up and simplify lesion quantification. Nevertheless, many algorithms rely upon an experienced operator, and are thus subject to inter- and intra-operator variability. We present a new technique to measure operator variability which is largely independent of the lesions selected for analysis, and is expressed in the measurement units. This new measure allows researchers to predict and compare absolute uncertainty for operators using new algorithms. We used this technique to examine the impact on operator performance of computer assisted lesion quantification and anisotropic filtering of patient exams to reduce image noise. In both cases repeated measurements of lesions in MR exams were performed and analysed. Results indicate that assisted quantification reduced inter-operator variability by 1/2 (from 0.34 cm3 to 0.17 cm3) and reduced intra-operator variability by 1/3 (from 0.23 cm3 to 0.15 cm3). Anisotropic filtering reduced inter- and intra-operator variability by 1/5 (from 0.34 cm3 to 0.27 cm3, and from 0.23 cm3 to 0.19 cm3, respectively). These results may have practical implications for clinical trials which rely on quantitative measurements to assess therapeutic effect.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)524-533
Number of pages10
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2710
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
EventMedical Imaging 1996 Image Processing - Newport Beach, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 12 1996Feb 15 1996

Keywords

  • Algorithms
  • Anisotropic filter
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Quantification
  • Reliability
  • Variability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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