A standard phantom for quantitative CT analysis of pulmonary nodules.

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Abstract
CT [computed tomographic] density of the same pulmonary nodule can vary significantly between scanners or with the same scanner because several independent factors besides partial volume averaging can affect its determination. A single CT number cannot be used to distinguish calcified from noncalcified nodules, ruling out direct extrapolation of quantitative data between scanners. A phantom was described that simulates CT measurements in patients and permits comparison of CT density of each nodule with a physical standard derived from clinical experience. Tests on 35 patients using a GE 8800 showed that no malignant nodules and 65% of benign lesions were more dense than the phantom nodule. This method is independent of inter- and intra-scanner variation and facilitates standardized quantitative analysis of pulmonary nodules with current scanners.

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