A recent study analyzed how respiratory phases affect quantitative analysis of pulmonary subsolid nodules (SSNs) in low-dose CT lung cancer screening.
Respiratory phase variations impact volumetric and dimensional measurements of SSNs, highlighting the importance of consistent CT acquisition protocols.
Analysis revealed significant differences in SSN parameters between inspiratory and expiratory CT scans, with volumetric assessments showing the highest variability.
Differences in nodule density type also influenced quantitative parameter changes, emphasizing the heterogeneity among SSNs.
Respiratory phase-related measurement discrepancies were size-independent but varied based on nodule location within the lung.
The study underscores the need for controlling respiratory phase during imaging to avoid misinterpretations in nodule progression assessments.
Inconsistent respiratory phase control may lead to erroneous categorization of nodule growth, impacting clinical decisions in lung cancer management.
Standardizing imaging protocols and integrating multiple quantitative metrics can improve the accuracy of SSN assessment in low-dose CT screening.
Attention to respiratory mechanics and nodule characteristics during image analysis is crucial for refining lung cancer screening efficacy.
The study advocates for technological adaptations to minimize respiratory phase variability and enhance longitudinal nodule assessment reliability.