Michelle Noga, Jiali Luan, Deepa Krishnaswamy, Brendan Morgan, Ross Cockburn, Kumaradevan Punithakumar
Abstract: This study explores the use of stereoscopic volume-rendered 3D display technology in medical imaging, specifically for the diagnosis of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS). The objective was to determine whether stereoscopic display improves perception compared to standard monoscopic display in diagnosing PVS. CT angiograms from pediatric patients were volume rendered and displayed with and without stereoscopic display. The study involved experienced physicians and trainees who assessed the presence and location of PVS. While there was no significant overall improvement in lesion identification, users reported greater subjective confidence and improved accuracy in localizing pulmonary veins, especially in complex multi-lesion cases. The study highlights the potential benefits of stereoscopic display in medical imaging diagnosis.
Introduction: This study focuses on the use of volume rendering in medical imaging and its limitations when displayed on 2D screens. Stereoscopic display, which enables depth perception, is proposed as a solution to enhance depth cues. The study aims to evaluate the effect of stereoscopic volume-rendered 3D display on the diagnosis of pulmonary vein stenosis, a rare cardiovascular pathology diagnosed using computed tomography (CT).
Materials and Methods: The study involved retrospectively acquired CT images of pediatric patients with pulmonary vein stenosis. Two groups of participants, including experienced physicians and trainees, viewed the CT angiograms on both monoscopic and stereoscopic displays. Their diagnoses were recorded, and the accuracy of lesion identification was analyzed.
Results: The study included 24 participants, and while there was no significant overall improvement in lesion identification, participants reported subjective confidence and improved accuracy in localizing pulmonary veins, particularly in complex multi-lesion cases.
Discussion: This study contributes to the limited research on the use of stereoscopic display in cardiovascular imaging, specifically for pulmonary vein stenosis. While no significant improvement was observed in lesion identification, participants demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence, as well as better localization of pulmonary veins with stereoscopic display.
Conclusion: The study concludes that stereoscopic volume-rendered 3D display does not significantly improve lesion identification in pulmonary vein stenosis compared to standard monoscopic display. However, users reported increased subjective confidence, and there was improved accuracy in localizing pulmonary veins, especially in complex multi-lesion cases. Further studies are needed to explore the potential benefits and applications of stereoscopic display in medical imaging diagnosis.
Acknowledgments: The study acknowledges the funding provided by an unrestricted charitable grant from Servier Canada through the University of Alberta Hospital foundation. Summer studentships were also supported by Alberta Innovates and the Women and Children's Health Research Institute.
Citation: Noga M, Luan J, Krishnaswamy D, Morgan B, Cockburn R, Punithakumar K (2023) Benefit of stereoscopic volume rendering for the identification of pediatric pulmonary vein stenosis from CT angiography. PLOS Digit Health 2(3): e0000215. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000215
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
