Pixel-level annotated dataset of computed tomography angiography images of acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism has a high incidence and mortality, especially if undiagnosed. The examination of choice for diagnosing the disease is computed tomography pulmonary angiography. As many factors can lead to misinterpretations and diagnostic errors, different groups are utilizing deep learning methods to help improve this process. The diagnostic accuracy of these methods tends to increase by augmenting the training dataset. Deep learning methods can potentially benefit from the use of images acquired with devices from different vendors. To the best of our knowledge, we have developed the first public dataset annotated at the pixel and image levels and the first pixel-level annotated dataset to contain examinations performed with equipment from Toshiba and GE. This dataset includes 40 examinations, half performed with each piece of equipment, representing samples from two medical services. We also included measurements related to the cardiac and circulatory consequences of pulmonary embolism. We encourage the use of this dataset to develop, evaluate and compare the performance of new AI algorithms designed to diagnose PE.

Fig. 1

Steps for producing the dataset. First step: definition of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Second and third steps: selection of 20 examinations performed with each machine on patients with acute PE. Fourth step: image annotation at the pixel and image levels. Fifth step: evaluation of features related to right heart strain and pulmonary artery hypertension.

Fig. 2

Pixel level annotation. Column (a) shows CTPA images of pulmonary emboli in different anatomical locations. In column (b), pixel-level annotations show all pixels of the embolus of the corresponding CTPA image in column (a) in white. In column (c), the corresponding images of columns (a) and (b) are superimposed, and the thrombus is shown in red.

Fig. 3

CTPA features related to right heart strain and pulmonary artery hypertension. (a) Exam TS04 without IVC reflux. (b) Exam TS19 with IVC reflux. (c) Exam TS19 showing the interventricular septum in its normal position. (d) Exam TS02 showing a flattened interventricular septum. (e) Exam TS10 showing paradoxical interventricular septal bowing.