Lung nodule computer-aided detection as a second reader: influence on radiology residents.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a computed tomographic lung nodule computer-aided detection (CAD) software as a second reader for radiology residents. METHODS: The study involved 110 cases from 4 sites. Three expert radiologists identified nodules that were 4 to 30 mm in maximum diameter to form the ground truth. These cases were then interpreted by 6 board-certified radiologists and 6 radiology residents. The residents read each case without and then with a CAD software (Lung Nodule Assesment, Extended Brilliance Workspace; Philips Healthcare, Highlands Heights, OH) to identify nodules that were 4 to 30 mm in maximum diameter. RESULTS: The experts identified 91 nodules as the ground truth for the study. The mean sensitivity of the 6 board-certified radiologists was 89%. The mean sensitivity of the residents was 85% without the CAD and 90% (P < 0.05) with the CAD as a second reader. CONCLUSIONS: The CAD software can help improve the sensitivity of residents in the detection of pulmonary nodules on computed tomography, making them comparable with board-certified radiologists.