A new semiautomated three-dimensional sizing software product can reliably measure the length and diameter of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract

Purpose Inaccurate preoperative assessment of aortic–iliac dimensions before endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may result in incorrect stent graft sizing and other problems. We aimed to determine whether the sizing method performed using Dongmai is as precise and reproducible as that performed by an experienced radiologist who provides manual measurements of the length and diameter of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods In this retrospective study, the EVAR preoperative parameters were compared using intra-observer, interobserver, and Dongmai/radiological workstation comparison tests. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean differences, agreement limits, and absolute differences (≤ 2 mm and ≤ 5mm) were used to analyze the data. Results We enrolled 31 patients (24 men, 7 women; mean age: 69 ± 2.9 years) with AAA who were treated with EVAR. To determine intra-observer reliability, various parameters were repeatedly measured using Dongmai by a single user; all ICCs were > 0.9, indicating excellent reliability. The percentages of diameters and length that met the conditions were at least 91% and 77% with absolute differences of ≤ 2 mm, respectively, and 96% (both diameter and length) with absolute difference of ≤ 5 mm. Interobserver reliability assesses measurement agreement between two Dongmai users; the results were similar with those of intra-observer analysis. For the Dongmai/radiological workstation, ICC, mean differences, and agreement limits were similar between intra- and interobserver analyses. No statistically significant difference was observed among the results of the three analyses. Conclusion We determined the reliability of length and diameter measurements using Dongmai during preoperative assessments for EVAR.