Abstract:
Objective To discuss the value of constructing a nomogram model based on imaging features in predicting the probability of spread through air spaces (STAS) in invasive lung adenocarcinoma.
Methods The clinical data of 391 patients (including 168 males and 223 females, with an average age of (61.0±11.8) years) with invasive lung adenocarcinoma confirmed by surgery and histopathology in Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University from May 2020 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into STAS-positive group (166 cases) and STAS-negative group (225 cases). The differences in gender, age, tumor maximum diameter, CT value, tumor location, lobulation sign, spiculation sign, pleural traction sign, tumor density, air bronchogram sign, microvascular crossing sign, crescent sign, vacuole sign, and tumor-lung interface were compared between the two groups. Chi square test was used for comparison of unordered count data between groups, while Mann-Whitney U test was employed for comparison of measurement data and ordered count data between groups. The independent predictors of STAS were screened by univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and the risk nomogram of the clinical prediction model was constructed. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the prediction model, and calibration and decision curves were adopted to assess its comprehensive clinical value.
Results The univariate analysis showed significant differences between STAS-positive and STAS-negative groups in gender, age, tumor maximum diameter, CT value, lobulation sign, spiculation sign, pleural traction sign, tumor density, air bronchogram sign, microvascular crossing sign, crescent sign, and vacuole sign (χ2=3.933–161.518, t=−14.508–−2.710; all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the CT value of tumor, lobulation sign, pleural traction sign, vacuole sign, and crescent sign were independent predictors of STAS in invasive lung adenocarcinoma (Z=−3.490–5.447; all P<0.05). The area under the curve of the prediction model was 0.892 (95%CI: 0.862–0.923), the sensitivity was 81.9%, and the specificity was 78.2%. The calibration and decision curves showed that the prediction model had high reliability.
Conclusion Constructing a nomogram model based on image features has high clinical value in predicting the probability of STAS in invasive lung adenocarcinoma.