Estimating the Volume of Nodules and Masses on Serial Chest Radiography Using a Deep-Learning-Based Automatic Detection Algorithm: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the volume of the pulmonary nodules and masses on serial chest X-rays (CXRs) from deep-learning-based automatic detection algorithm (DLAD)-based parameters. Methods: In a retrospective single-institutional study, 72 patients, who obtained serial CXRs (n = 147) for pulmonary nodules or masses with corresponding chest CT images as the reference standards, were included. A pre-trained DLAD based on a convolutional neural network was developed to detect and localize nodules using 13,710 radiographs and to calculate a localization map and the derived parameters (e.g., the area and mean probability value of pulmonary nodules) for each CXR, including serial follow-ups. For validation, reference 3D CT volumes were measured semi-automatically. Volume prediction models for pulmonary nodules were established through univariable or multivariable, and linear or non-linear regression analyses with the parameters. A polynomial regression analysis was performed as a method of a non-linear regression model. Results: Of the 147 CXRs and 208 nodules of 72 patients, the mean volume of nodules or masses was measured as 9.37 ± 11.69 cm3 (mean ± standard deviation). The area and CT volume demonstrated a linear correlation of moderate strength (i.e., R = 0.58, RMSE: 9449.9 mm3 m3 in a linear regression analysis). The area and mean probability values exhibited a strong linear correlation (R = 0.73). The volume prediction performance based on a multivariable regression model was best with a mean probability and unit-adjusted area (i.e., RMSE: 7975.6 mm3, the smallest among the other variable parameters). Conclusions: The prediction model with the area and the mean probability based on the DLAD showed a rather accurate quantitative estimation of pulmonary nodule or mass volume and the change in serial CXRs.