Interrater variation in scoring radiological discrepancies.

OBJECTIVE: Discrepancy meetings are an important aspect of clinical governance. The Royal College of Radiologists has published advice on how to conduct meetings, suggesting that discrepancies are scored using the scale: 0=no error, 1=minor error, 2=moderate error and 3=major error. We have noticed variation in scores attributed to individual cases by radiologists and have sought to quantify the variation in scoring at our meetings. METHODS: The scores from six discrepancy meetings totalling 161 scored events were collected. The reliability of scoring was measured using Fleiss' kappa, which calculates the degree of agreement in classification. RESULTS: The number of cases rated at the six meetings ranged from 18 to 31 (mean 27). The number of raters ranged from 11 to 16 (mean 14). Only cases where all the raters scored were included in the analysis. The Fleiss' kappa statistic ranged from 0.12 to 0.20, and mean kappa was 0.17 for the six meetings. CONCLUSION: A kappa of 1.0 indicates perfect agreement above chance and 0.0 indicates agreement equal to chance. A rule of thumb is that a kappa ≥0.70 indicates adequate interrater agreement. Our mean result of 0.172 shows poor agreement between scorers. This could indicate a problem with the scoring system or may indicate a need for more formal training and agreement in how scores are applied. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Scoring of radiology discrepancies is highly subjective and shows poor interrater agreement.

Cranial computed tomography in trauma: the accuracy of interpretation by staff in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: Cranial computed tomography (CT) is replacing skull radiography in head trauma. Rapid radiological opinions on these images may not always be available. We assessed the ability of our permanent emergency department staff to interpret the images. METHODS: A retrospective series of 100 consecutive cases was reviewed and interpreted by five permanent emergency department medical staff, and their interpretation compared with the consensus opinion of two radiologists. RESULTS: An overall agreement of 86.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 83.4 to 89.9) was achieved, with a false negative rate of 4.2% (95% CI 3.9 to 4.3). No findings that would have changed the overnight management of any patient were missed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results for CT scans are similar to studies of interpretation of other radiographic images in emergency departments. Our emergency staff could safely make the initial interpretation of cranial CT images in trauma out of hours, and formal reporting may wait until a suitably experienced radiologist is available.

Spiral computed tomography with two- and three-dimensional reconstruction in the management of tibial plateau fractures.

Spiral computed tomography (CT) with three-dimensional and multiplanar reconstructions was used in the evaluation of tibial fractures in nine patients. Computed tomography added important information to that obtained by plain radiographs. Five (55%) fractures were reclassified. The degree of articular depression was often underappreciated on plain radiographs. Furthermore, the fracture complexity and the spatial relation of fragments could be readily demonstrated with 3-D reconstruction. This technique is useful in planning operative reconstruction.

Does routine ultrasound have a role in the investigation of children with urinary tract infection?

The results of investigations in children with urinary tract infection (UTI) were studied in a district general hospital in order to assess the relative value of the two most widely used screening tests, namely ultrasound (US) and 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy. A total of 193 children had undergone both US and DMSA scintigraphy as part of an investigation of proven single or multiple urinary tract infections over a 27 month period. DMSA scintigraphy revealed abnormalities in 22 of the children (11%). The abnormalities ranged from cortical defects to congenital anatomical abnormalities. US revealed abnormalities in six children (3%) but did not contribute any additional information in any. In our institution, the DMSA scintigram alone would have been an adequate screening test for children with UTI. Hydronephrosis is a common abnormality detected by US. Although none were seen in the study group, several children were examined during the study period with dilated collecting systems detected at ante-natal US. No cases of hydronephrosis presented as UTI. We question whether the use of routine US is justifiable in the investigation of children with UTI, and discuss whether a more selective investigation protocol should be adopted.

Soft tissue neck radiography for displaced dental prostheses.

Modern dental prostheses continue to be made of acrylic resins which can be difficult or impossible to recognize by conventional radiography. We discuss the difficulties that can arise and the recognition of such objects in the neck using three illustrative cases.

The radiology of sarcomas and sarcomatoid carcinomas of the kidney.

Tumours of the kidney with sarcomatoid elements are uncommon. The radiological findings in 11 patients with such lesions are presented. It is important to separate pure sarcomas from lesions with sarcomatous and carcinomatous elements since they have different radiological appearances and prognosis. These tumours often show calcification on radiographs and on angiography appear predominantly avascular with a blood supply from capsular vessels. Because of their rarity and the overlap of radiographic findings with more common tumours the diagnosis cannot be made by current imaging methods alone.

Malignant phaeochromocytoma.

Malignant phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour and experience in its management is therefore limited. Five patients are discussed in whom the development of metastases was associated with rapidly progressive disease.

Soft tissue radiography for wooden foreign bodies--a worthwhile exercise?

Radiographs were taken of various types of wood embedded in chicken legs. Wood is seen as a filling defect. Paint and increased water content reduce the negative shadow of wood. The results suggest that radiography is worthwhile in cases of suspected wooden foreign bodies.