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27-12-2016 | Mesothelioma | Article

# Computer-aided volumetric assessment of malignant pleural mesothelioma on CT using a random walk-based method

Journal:
International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery

Authors: Mitchell Chen, Emma Helm, Niranjan Joshi, Fergus Gleeson, Michael Brady

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

## Abstract

### Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the performance of a computer-aided semi-automated algorithm we have adapted for the purpose of segmenting malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) on CT.

### Methods

Forty-five CT scans were collected from 15 patients (M:F $$=$$ 10:5, mean age 62.8 years) in a multi-centre clinical drug trial. A computer-aided random walk-based algorithm was applied to segment the tumour; the results were then compared to radiologist-drawn contours and correlated with measurements made using the MPM-adapted Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumour (modified RECIST).

### Results

A mean accuracy (Sørensen–Dice index) of 0.825 (95% CI [0.758, 0.892]) was achieved. Compared to a median measurement time of 68.1 min (range [40.2, 102.4]) for manual delineation, the median running time of our algorithm was 23.1 min (range [10.9, 37.0]). A linear correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: 0.6392, $$p < 0.05$$) was established between the changes in modified RECIST and computed tumour volume.

### Conclusion

Volumetric tumour segmentation offers a potential solution to the challenges in quantifying MPM. Computer-assisted methods such as the one presented in this study facilitate this in an accurate and time-efficient manner and provide additional morphological information about the tumour’s evolution over time.