Endometrial Biopsies;

Abstract

… Background: In histopathology, inter-observer variability is frequently encounter leading to diagnostic dilemma. Endometrial biopsies are one of them where multiple factors including hormonal influences make the interpretation difficult. The aim of the article was to find the interobserver variability level between two consultants on endometrial biopsies by applying kappa and ICC analysis. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: . Methods: This study consisted of 102 endometrial biopsies of infertile women on 22 nd or 23 rd day of menstrual cycle. All cases were examined by two consultants separately and formed their opinions independent of each other according to Noye's criteria. Their opinions were categorized as those in agreement, with minor disagreement and with major difference in opinion. Results: Agreement of opinion was established only in 34 (33.3%) cases. There was disagreement in 68 (66.7%) of cases. Out of these 68 cases, 46 (68%) belonged to the category of major conflicting opinion. In case of minor conflicting opinion, there was difference in specific day of the phase of menstrual cycle. The Kappa coefficient and ICC statistics was performed which gave the overall results as fair agreement. Conclusion:The main cause of disagreement was difficulty in applying the criteria for effects of hormonal influences on endometrial biopsies leading to subjective interpretation.