Septum-Left Ventricular Density Ratio as a Parameter for Detecting Anemia in Non-Contrasted Chest Computed Tomography in Observers with Basic Training
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Abstract
Introduction: Anemia is frequently underdiagnosed given its vague symptomatology. Studies with subjective-visual evaluation by experts describe tomographic signs suggestive of anemia, such as a dense septum. This study aims to evaluate if readers with basic training can perform high statistical value measurements for anemia detection.
Material and Methods: Data of non-contrast thoracic computed tomography (CT) (2021) with a measurement of plasma hemoglobin (Hb) performed 24 hours before or after the CT were identified. Two previously trained medical students performed measurements of Hounsfield Units (HU) on the interventricular septum (IVS) and right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular cavities. The SIV/VI and SIV/VD ratios were correlated with Hb values. Interobserver variability was analyzed and the optimal cut-off point to detect anemia was determined.
Results: In a sample of 112 cases, there was a high interobserver correlation with r of 0.85 (VD), 0.67 (SIV), and 0.87 (VI). SIV/VI ratio obtained the highest AUC with 0.86 (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.91), with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 88% using a cut-off point of 1.15.
Conclusions: The SIV/VI ratio with a cut-off point of 1.15 is a reliable parameter to detect anemia using non-contrast chest CT in observers with basic training.
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