Indices of agreement between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in interpreting tomography scans in an emergency department

Abstract

The power of interpretation in the analysis of cranial computed tomography (CCT) among neurosurgeons and radiologists has rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess the rate of agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in an emergency department. Method 227 CCT were independently analyzed by two neurosurgeons (NS1 and NS2) and a radiologist (RAD). The level of agreement in interpreting the examination was studied. Results The Kappa values obtained between NS1 and NS2 and RAD were considered nearly perfect and substantial agreement. The highest levels of agreement when evaluating abnormalities were observed in the identification of tumors, hydrocephalus and intracranial hematomas. The worst levels of agreement were observed for leukoaraiosis and reduced brain volume. Conclusions For diseases in which the emergency room procedure must be determined, agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between the radiologist and neurosurgeons was satisfactory.

Quantitative evaluation of brain volume among elderly individuals in São Paulo, Brazil: a population-based study

“…One previous study found good agreement between a radiologist and neurosurgeons in terms of the overall interpretation of computed tomography scans of the brain, although the level of agreement was found to be poor for assessments of leukoaraiosis and reduced brain volume ( 21 ) . Subtle MRI findings tend to result in poor inter-rater reliability, although there are divergent results in the literature regarding the exact degree of inter-rater reliability for each finding or medical specialty.…”