Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods.
No method has yet been approved for detecting lymphedema fibrosis before its progression. This study assessed the feasibility of computed tomography-based estimation of fibrosis. This observational, cross-sectional study included patients with lymphedema affecting one limb. Three types (maximum, mea...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2019-01-01
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| Series: | PLoS ONE |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224457 |
| _version_ | 1819142823766654976 |
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| author | Kyo-In Koo Myoung-Hwan Ko Yongkwan Lee Hye Won Son Suwon Lee Chang Ho Hwang |
| author_facet | Kyo-In Koo Myoung-Hwan Ko Yongkwan Lee Hye Won Son Suwon Lee Chang Ho Hwang |
| author_sort | Kyo-In Koo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | No method has yet been approved for detecting lymphedema fibrosis before its progression. This study assessed the feasibility of computed tomography-based estimation of fibrosis. This observational, cross-sectional study included patients with lymphedema affecting one limb. Three types (maximum, mean, minimum) of computed tomography reticulation indexes were digitally calculated from trans-axial images using absorptive values, and the computed tomography reticulation indexes compared with clinical scales and measurements. Of 326 patients evaluated by at least one of lymphoscintigraphy, bio-electrical impedance, and computed tomography, 24 were evaluated by all three. The mean number of computed tomography scans in these patients was 109. Sixteen patients had breast cancer, seven had gynecologic cancers, and one had primary lymphedema. Mean computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and maximal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with time from initial limb swelling to computed tomography. Mean computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.86, p < 0.01), minimal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), and maximal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with International Society of Lymphedema substage. Minimal computed tomography reticulation index correlated with 1-kHz-based bio-electrical impedance ratio (r = -0.46, p < 0.05) and with standardized proximal limb circumference difference ratio (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) of both limbs. Maximal computed tomography reticulation index had a sensitivity of 0.78, specificity of 0.60, and areas under the curve of 0.66 in detecting lymphoscintigraphic stage IV. The algorithm utilizing three-dimensional computed tomography images of epifascial fibrosis may be used as a marker for lymphedema duration, limb swelling, International Society of Lymphedema substage, and interstitial lymphatic fluids of lymphedema. The current approach shows promise in providing an additional method to assist in characterizing and monitoring lymphedema patients. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-22T12:16:28Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-93b4257e6ab148458f4770789d0cb11b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1932-6203 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-22T12:16:28Z |
| publishDate | 2019-01-01 |
| publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) |
| record_format | Article |
| series | PLoS ONE |
| spelling | doaj.art-93b4257e6ab148458f4770789d0cb11b2022-12-21T18:26:07ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032019-01-011412e022445710.1371/journal.pone.0224457Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods.Kyo-In KooMyoung-Hwan KoYongkwan LeeHye Won SonSuwon LeeChang Ho HwangNo method has yet been approved for detecting lymphedema fibrosis before its progression. This study assessed the feasibility of computed tomography-based estimation of fibrosis. This observational, cross-sectional study included patients with lymphedema affecting one limb. Three types (maximum, mean, minimum) of computed tomography reticulation indexes were digitally calculated from trans-axial images using absorptive values, and the computed tomography reticulation indexes compared with clinical scales and measurements. Of 326 patients evaluated by at least one of lymphoscintigraphy, bio-electrical impedance, and computed tomography, 24 were evaluated by all three. The mean number of computed tomography scans in these patients was 109. Sixteen patients had breast cancer, seven had gynecologic cancers, and one had primary lymphedema. Mean computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and maximal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with time from initial limb swelling to computed tomography. Mean computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.86, p < 0.01), minimal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), and maximal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with International Society of Lymphedema substage. Minimal computed tomography reticulation index correlated with 1-kHz-based bio-electrical impedance ratio (r = -0.46, p < 0.05) and with standardized proximal limb circumference difference ratio (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) of both limbs. Maximal computed tomography reticulation index had a sensitivity of 0.78, specificity of 0.60, and areas under the curve of 0.66 in detecting lymphoscintigraphic stage IV. The algorithm utilizing three-dimensional computed tomography images of epifascial fibrosis may be used as a marker for lymphedema duration, limb swelling, International Society of Lymphedema substage, and interstitial lymphatic fluids of lymphedema. The current approach shows promise in providing an additional method to assist in characterizing and monitoring lymphedema patients.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224457 |
| spellingShingle | Kyo-In Koo Myoung-Hwan Ko Yongkwan Lee Hye Won Son Suwon Lee Chang Ho Hwang Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods. PLoS ONE |
| title | Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods. |
| title_full | Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods. |
| title_fullStr | Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods. |
| title_short | Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods. |
| title_sort | comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224457 |
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