Intra‐ and interobserver variability of 2D and 3D transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis of benign versus malignant adnexal masses

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement in assigning a diagnosis of malignancy or benignity to adnexal masses using 2-dimensional ultrasonography (2D US) and 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3D US). Methods:Two experienced observers (Observers A and B) performed a retrospective review of digitally stored 2D images and 3D data from a sample of 41 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of adnexal mass. Each observer independently, and blinded each other, evaluated the 2D static images of each adnexal mass and then the 3D volumes one-week later. The observers were required to classify the adnexal lesion as benign or malignant according to pattern recognition analysis. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreement were assessed by calculating the kappa index (κ). Results:Intra-observer agreement between 2DUS and 3DUS for the observer A was 1.00 and for the observer B was 0.69. Inter-observer agreement was 0.69 for 2D US and 1.00 for 3D US (p >0.05)Intra-observer agreement between 2DUS and 3DUS for the observer A was 0.96 and for the observer B was 0.77. Inter-observer agreement was 0.73 for 2D US and 0.92 for 3D US Conclusions:Our results indicate that 3D US for assessing adnexal masses is reproducible, but not significantly, than 2D USOur results indicate that 3D US for assessing adnexal masses is reproducible, even more than 2D US.Running Head: Three and Two-dimensional ultrasound: intra-inter-observer agreement

Three-Dimensional Angioultrasonography for the Prediction of Malignancy in Ovarian Masses

“…Based on these results, we consider that 3D-US slightly improves 2D-US diagnostic capacity, mainly in positive predictive value (important for ruling out diseases requiring aggressive treatment) and specificity (important when diagnosing diseases that, if untreated, may result in negative outcome). Similar results recently published by Pascual et al [16] conclude that 3D-US is slightly but not significantly more reproducible than 2D-US when it is done by expert sonographists.…”

Characterization of Ovarian Tumors and Staging Ovarian Cancer With 3-Dimensional Power Doppler Angiography: Correlation With Pathologic Findings

“…21 Some authors agree that although 3-DPDA in the diagnosis of adnexal masses appeared more reproducible than 2DUS, the difference was not statistically significant, and 3-DPDA might be useful in a selected subset of adnexal masses. 22,23 Our results indicate that 3-DPDA provides a reduction of the false-positive findings through detailed investigation of the ovarian lesion morphology. The 3-D technique is also capable of supplying useful information in tumors with solid content.…”

Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Classifier Parameter Tuning for Automatic Ovarian Cancer Tissue Characterization and Classification

“…The use of ultrasound evaluation as first-line exam for the study of the ovaries relies on the fact that this analysis can be performed without the administration of radiation and contrast materials. With the introduction of transvaginal ultrasonography and 3 D ultrasonography, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography further improved [13,14]. Even though ultrasonography is currently the most common practice, the accuracy and reproducibility of the visual interpretations of the images are often dependent on the skill of the ultrasonographer and thus ultrasonography is limited by interobserver variability.…”