Impact of Deep Learning-Based Image Conversion on Fully Automated Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Using Thin-Slice, Sharp-Kernel, Non-Gated, Low-Dose Chest CT Scans: A Multi-Center Study.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of deep learning-based image conversion on the accuracy of automated coronary artery calcium quantification using thin-slice, sharp-kernel, non-gated, low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) images collected from multiple institutions.

Materials And Methods: A total of 225 pairs of LDCT and calcium scoring CT (CSCT) images scanned at 120 kVp and acquired from the same patient within a 6-month interval were retrospectively collected from four institutions. Image conversion was performed for LDCT images using proprietary software programs to simulate conventional CSCT. This process included 1) deep learning-based kernel conversion of low-dose, high-frequency, sharp kernels to simulate standard-dose, low-frequency kernels, and 2) thickness conversion using the raysum method to convert 1-mm or 1.25-mm thickness images to 3-mm thickness. Automated Agaston scoring was conducted on the LDCT scans before (LDCT-Org) and after the image conversion (LDCT-CONV). Manual scoring was performed on the CSCT images (CSCT) and used as a reference standard. The accuracy of automated Agaston scores and risk severity categorization based on the automated scoring on LDCT scans was analyzed compared to the reference standard, using the Bland-Altman analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and weighted kappa (κ) statistic.

Results: LDCT-CONV demonstrated a reduced bias for Agaston score, compared with CSCT, than LDCT-Org did (-3.45 vs. 206.7). LDCT-CONV showed a higher CCC than LDCT-Org did (0.881 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.750-0.960] vs. 0.269 [95% CI, 0.129-0.430]). In terms of risk category assignment, LDCT-Org exhibited poor agreement with CSCT (weighted κ = 0.115 [95% CI, 0.082-0.154]), whereas LDCT-CONV achieved good agreement (weighted κ = 0.792 [95% CI, 0.731-0.847]).

Conclusion: Deep learning-based conversion of LDCT images originally obtained with thin slices and a sharp kernel can enhance the accuracy of automated coronary artery calcium score measurement using the images.