Computed tomography on lung cancer screening is useful for adjuvant comorbidity diagnosis in developing countries

Abstract

PurposeTo analyze and quantify the prevalence of six comorbidities from lung cancer screening (LCS) on computed tomography (CT) scans of patients from developing countries.MethodsFor this retrospective study, low-dose CT scans (n=775) from patients who underwent LCS in a tertiary hospital between 2016 and 2020 were examined. Age and sex- matched control group was obtained for comparison (n=370). Using the software, coronary artery calcification (CAC), the skeletal muscle area (SMA), interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs), emphysema, osteoporosis, and hepatic steatosis was accessed. Clinical characteristics of each participant were identified. t-test and chi-squared test were used to examine differences between these values. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Interobserver agreement (assessed by calculating kappa coefficients) were calculated to assess the correlation of measures interpreted by two observers. p values<0.05 were considered significant.ResultsOne or more comorbidities were identified in 86.6% of the patients and in 40% of the controls. The most prevalent comorbidity was osteoporosis, present in 44.2% of patients and on 24.8% of the controls. New diagnoses of cardiovascular disease, emphysema, and osteoporosis were made in 25%, 7%, and 46% of cases, respectively. The kappa coefficient for CAC was 0.906 (p<0.001). ICCs for measures of liver, spleen, and bone density were 0.88, 0.93, and 0.96, respectively (p<0.001).ConclusionsCT data acquired during LCS led to the identification of previously undiagnosed comorbidities. The LCS is useful to facilitate comorbidity diagnosis in developing countries, providing opportunities for its prevention and treatment.

Heterogeneous breast phantom for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

“…The fabricated fibroglandular, pectoral muscle, and skin tissue revealed mean CT and SD HU values of 60.033±4.414, 62.367±10.334, and 132.493±4.45 HU, respectively. These values are found to be consistent with [ 12 , 25 , 26 ].…”

“…In this work, we developed a patient-based heterogeneous breast phantom that mimicked skin, adipose, fibroglandular, muscle tissue, and carcinoma in the breast while screened with −29 to 150 [26] Skin 132.493 100.75 [12] ±4.45 ±28.9 [12] https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284531.t005…”

The frequency of osteoporosis in the thoracic surgery patient population: An opportunity assessment from thorax computed tomography scans

“…It has been demonstrated that bone density affects implant failures and complications as well (21). According to a study on iatrogenic rib fractures and the risks of death associated with them, complications from treatment-particularly cardiopulmonary resuscitation-are to blame for 80.1% of iatrogenic rib fractures (22). Additionally, during pulmonary resections, accidental rib fractures, which can happen in thoracotomy, are frequently linked to higher postoperative morbidity (6).…”