Published online Nov 28, 2022. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v14.i11.367
Peer-review started: March 13, 2022
First decision: May 12, 2022
Revised: May 25, 2022
Accepted: September 21, 2022
Article in press: September 21, 2022
Published online: November 28, 2022
Neonatal cranial ultrasound examinations were evaluated in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Ultrasound findings were recorded for the resident performing the ultrasound and the pediatric attending radiologist.
Despite the ostensibly important role of accurate cranial ultrasound interpretation, few studies have investigated the reliability of interpretation of cranial ultrasound. Differences in the identification and grading of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may affect the clinical outcome and the subsequent management options. This is the reason the study was undertaken.
To assess interobserver reliability between senior radiology residents performing bedside cranial ultrasounds during on-call hours and board-certified pediatric radiologists.
A total of 200 neonatal cranial ultrasound examinations were evaluated in NICU patients. Ultrasound findings were recorded for both the resident performing the ultrasound and the pediatric attending radiologist. Interobserver agreement was calculated.
The mean gestational age was 30.9 wk. Interobserver agreement for higher grade (Grade III & IV) IVH was excellent. There was substantial agreement for lower grade (Grade I & II) IVH.
Interobserver agreement for detection of IVH is high for low-grade hemorrhage and almost perfect for high-grade hemorrhage between radiology residents and board certified pediatricians.
Our study results are limited by the cross sectional nature of the study. Additionally, we did not compare agreement on the interpretation of periventricular leukomalacia, incidental findings, and degree of ventriculomegaly if it was present which can have significant impact on disease prognosis. This may be explored in a future study.