Reproducibility of scoring emphysema by HRCT: Comparison of visual interpretation methods with pulmonary function tests among farmer's lung patients

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the reproducibility of three visual scoring methods of emphysema and compared these methods with pulmonary function tests (VC, DL_CO, FEV₁ and FEV_%) among farmer's lung patients and farmers.

Material and Methods: Three radiologists examined high-resolution CT images of farmer's lung patients and their matched controls (n=70) for chronic interstitial lung diseases. Intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver variability were assessed for three methods: severity, Sanders' (extent) and Sakai. Pulmonary function tests as spirometry and diffusing capacity were measured.

Results: Intraobserver κ-values for all three methods were good (0.51-0.74). Interobserver κ varied from 0.35 to 0.72. The Sanders' and the severity methods correlated strongly with pulmonary function tests, especially DL_CO and FEV₁.

Conclusion: The Sanders' method proved to be reliable in evaluating emphysema, in terms of good consistency of interpretation and good correlation with pulmonary function tests.