HRCT characteristics of severe emphysema patients: Interobserver variability among expert readers and comparison with quantitative software

AbstractPurpose For a successful bronchoscopic lung volume reduction coil treatment it is important to place the coils in most emphysematous lobes. Therefore assessment of lobe with greatest destruction essential. Our aims were investigate level agreement among expert reviewers HRCT-scans emphysema patients and comparison QCT (quantitative computed tomography) software. Method Five experienced CT-assessors, conducted visual baseline who participated RENEW study. On same HRCT-scans, analysis was performed. Results In total 134 rated by all 5 experts. All CT-assessors agreed on which destructed 61 % left lungs (?:0.459) 60 right (?:0.370). The consensus assessors matched for 77 (?:0.425) 82 (?:0.524). Conclusions results show that interobserver between five only fair moderate when evaluating lobe. CT-assessor improved matching determination lobar compared individual assessor determinations. Because some CT-features are associated outcomes optimal patient selection treatment, we recommend including more than one CT-reviewer supported measurements.