CT-like images of the sacroiliac joint generated from MRI using susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

BackgroundTo analyse the added value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) compared with standard T1-weighted (T1) MRI for detecting structural lesions of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) using CT as reference standard.Material and methodsSixty-eight patients with suspected or proven axSpA underwent both MRI and CT of the SIJ on the same day. Two readers separately scored CT, T1 and SWI for the presence of erosions, sclerosis and joint space changes using an established 24-region SIJ model. Disagreement was resolved by a third reader. Diagnostic accuracy (McNemar test), Cohen’s kappa (k), sensitivity (SE) and specificity were calculated on the joint level using CT as reference.ResultsIn CT, 38 joints showed erosions, 67 sclerosis and 37 joint space changes. Agreement with CT for erosions was 92.6% (k=0.811 (0.7–0.92)) in SWI and 87.5% (k=0.682 (0.54–0.82)) in T1 (p=0.143) and agreement for sclerosis 84.6% (k=0.69 (0.57–0.81)) and 62.5% (k=0.241 (0.13–0.35)) (p<0.001), respectively. This resulted in superior SE of SWI (81.6% vs 73.7%) for erosions and sclerosis (74.6% vs 23.9%) at a minor expense of SP. No differences were detected for joint space changes.ConclusionIn patients with axSpA, SWI depicts erosions and sclerosis more accurately than T1 spin echo MRI at 1.5 T.

Download Full-text

Choose wisely: imaging for diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220136 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. annrheumdis-2021-220136

Author(s):

Torsten Diekhoff ◽

Iris Eshed ◽

Felix Radny ◽

Katharina Ziegeler ◽

Fabian Proft ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Lower Sensitivity ◽

Reference Standard ◽

Sacroiliac Joints ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rater Reliability ◽

X Ray ◽

Cross Sectional Imaging ◽

Ct And Mri

ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of radiography (X-ray, XR), CT and MRI of the sacroiliac joints for diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).Methods163 patients (89 with axSpA; 74 with degenerative conditions) underwent XR, CT and MR. Three blinded experts categorised the imaging findings into axSpA, other diseases or normal in five separate reading rounds (XR, CT, MR, XR +MR, CT +MR). The clinical diagnosis served as reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity for axSpA and inter-rater reliability were compared.ResultsXR showed lower sensitivity (66.3%) than MR (82.0%) and CT (76.4%) and also an inferior specificity of 67.6% vs 86.5% (MR) and 97.3% (CT). XR +MR was similar to MR alone (sensitivity 77.5 %/specificity 87.8%) while CT+MR was superior (75.3 %/97.3%). CT had the best inter-rater reliability (kappa=0.875), followed by MR (0.665) and XR (0.517). XR +MR was similar (0.662) and CT+MR (0.732) superior to MR alone.ConclusionsXR had inferior diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater reliability compared with cross-sectional imaging. MR alone was similar in diagnostic performance to XR+MR. CT had the best accuracy, strengthening the importance of structural lesions for the differential diagnosis in axSpA.

Download Full-text

Nerve ultrasound for diagnosing chronic inflammatory neuropathy

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000010369 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 95 (12) ◽

pp. e1745-e1753

Author(s):

Ingrid J.T. Herraets ◽

H. Stephan Goedee ◽

Johan A. Telleman ◽

Ruben P.A. van Eijk ◽

Camiel Verhamme ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Multicenter Study ◽

Added Value ◽

Response Alternative ◽

European Federation ◽

Motor Neuropathy ◽

Reference Standard ◽

Nerve Ultrasound ◽

Inflammatory Neuropathy

ObjectiveTo validate the diagnostic accuracy of a previously described short sonographic protocol to identify chronic inflammatory neuropathy (CIN), including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Lewis Sumner syndrome, and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), and to determine the added value of nerve ultrasound to detect treatment-responsive patients compared to nerve conduction studies (NCS) in a prospective multicenter study.MethodsWe included 100 consecutive patients clinically suspected of CIN in 3 centers. The study protocol consisted of neurologic examination, laboratory tests, NCS, and nerve ultrasound. We validated a short sonographic protocol (median nerve at forearm, upper arm, and C5 nerve root) and determined its diagnostic accuracy using the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society criteria of CIDP/MMN (reference standard). In addition, to determine the added value of nerve ultrasound in detecting treatment-responsive patients, we used previously published diagnostic criteria based on clinical, NCS, and sonographic findings and treatment response (alternative reference standard).ResultsSensitivity and specificity of the sonographic protocol for CIN according to the reference standard were 87.4% and 67.3%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of this protocol according to the alternative reference standard were 84.6% and 72.8%, respectively, and of NCS 76.1% and 93.4%. With addition of nerve ultrasound, 44 diagnoses of CIN were established compared to 33 diagnoses with NCS alone.ConclusionsA short sonographic protocol shows high diagnostic accuracy for detecting CIN. Nerve ultrasound is able to detect up to 25% more patients who respond to treatment.Classification of evidenceThis multicenter study provides Class IV evidence that nerve ultrasound improves diagnosis of CIN.

Download Full-text

AB1126 THE RELIABILITY AND DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF DIGITAL TOMOSYNTHESIS COMPARED WITH CONVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF SACROILIITIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3521 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1852-1852

Author(s):

A. Rischin ◽

E. Kathpal ◽

S. Vogrin ◽

L. Bentley ◽

V. Master ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Kappa Statistic ◽

Weighted Kappa ◽

Conventional Radiography ◽

Digital Tomosynthesis ◽

Radiographic Assessment ◽

Better Than

Background:Conventional radiography remains part of the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis and determines qualification for biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in many countries. The standard anteroposterior radiograph (XR) incompletely images the complex sacroiliac joint with recognised unacceptably low levels of agreement between readers. Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) uses conventional radiographic projections to create a three-dimensional image and is a potential alternative for the initial radiographic detection and grading of sacroiliitis.Objectives:To compare the level of agreement between two radiologists when reporting sacroiliac joint imaging with digital tomosynthesis versus conventional radiography, as well as to compare the diagnostic accuracy of each imaging modality.Methods:229 consecutive patients that had radiography and digital tomosynthesis performed at Footscray Hospital, Melbourne, Australia were included. Two blinded radiologists independently re-reported all images according to the modified New York criteria, or listed an alternative diagnosis. An overall assessment of each image as inflammatory sacroiliitis, normal or non-inflammatory disease was also recorded. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records. Agreement between and within readers was evaluated using kappa (κ) statistic. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated by comparing each reader’s overall assessment against 2 reference standard comparators: most recent rheumatologist diagnosis and fulfillment of ASAS criteria at any time point.Results:The intra-reader agreement of reader 1 was almost perfect for the left, right and overall sacroiliac joint assessments (κ 0.77 - 0.94), with DTS outperforming XR. Reader 2 agreement was mostly moderate (κ 0.39 - 0.69), with DTS and XR better on the left and right sacroiliac joint respectively, but XR having better overall assessment. The inter-reader agreement of DTS for all patients was moderate and better than XR as shown in the Table. When excluding non-spondyloarthritis patients, inter-reader agreement improved (κ 0.50 to 0.58) but there was no significant difference between DTS and XR. Using reader 1, the sensitivity of DTS (64.8 - 66.7%) was better than XR (54.9 - 60.7%) but low, in keeping with what is known about radiographic sacroiliitis and axial spondyloarthritis. The specificity of XR (78.5 – 80.3%) was better than DTS (72.3 – 73.1%). There were no significant differences when fulfillment of modified New York Criteria was used as a reader’s positive test.Table.Inter-rater reliability between the readersAll patients(N=229)*Inflammatory sacroiliitis & normal patients (N=164)**Inflammatory sacroiliitis patients (N=92)**XR Right0.360.520.56DTS Right0.390.500.51XR Left0.340.550.56DTS Left0.420.550.58XR Overall0.40DTS Overall0.45*Non-weighted kappa statistic**Weighted kappa statisticConclusion:DTS demonstrated moderate reliability for assessment of sacroiliitis, marginally better than conventional radiography. Overall levels of agreement for both imaging modalities were however lower than radiography in previous studies, with several possible contributing factors. A prospective study in a selected spondyloarthritis cohort may better determine any benefit of DTS.References:[1]Christiansen AA, Hendricks O, Kuettel D, Horslev-Petersen K, Jurik AG, Nielsen S, et al. Limited Reliability of Radiographic Assessment of Sacroiliac Joints in Patients with Suspected Early Spondyloarthritis. The Journal of rheumatology. 2017;44(1):70-7.[2]van Tubergen A, Heuft-Dorenbosch L, Schulpen G, Landewe R, Wijers R, van der Heijde D, et al. Radiographic assessment of sacroiliitis by radiologists and rheumatologists: does training improve quality? Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2003;62(6):519-25.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Download Full-text

Active Inflammatory and Chronic Structural Damages of Sacroiliac Joint in Patients With Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.700260 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Liudan Tu ◽

Churong Lin ◽

Ya Xie ◽

Xiaohong Wang ◽

Qiujing Wei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Review ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Spin Echo ◽

Inversion Recovery ◽

Research Consortium ◽

Short Tau Inversion Recovery

ObjectiveEvaluate the MRI evidence of active inflammatory and chronic structural damages in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).MethodsA retrospective review of 253 patients who underwent sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI between June 2014 and December 2019 was performed. MRI images including short tau inversion recovery scan and T1-weighted spin echo scans were assessed using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) score and SPARCC MRI SIJ structural score by two independent readers.ResultsHigher mean score of inflammatory (SPARCC) was seen in r-axSpA patients when compared with nr-axSpA patients (8.08 vs 4.37, P<0.05). Frequencies of MRI structural lesions in r-axSpA patients and nr-axSpA patients were as follows: erosion (65.84 vs 88.23%, P=0.002), backfill (33.17 vs 13.73%, P<0.001), fat metaplasia (79.21 vs 60.78%, P=0.01), and ankylosis (37.13 vs 1.96%, P<0.001). Patients with r-axSpA had a higher mean score for fat metaplasia (8.93 vs 4.06, P=0.0003) and ankylosis (4.49 vs 0.04, P<0.001).ConclusionMore active inflammatory and chronic structural damages except for erosion were seen in r-axSpA patients than nr-axSpA patients, while higher percentage of nr-axSpA patients presented with erosion in MRI.

Download Full-text

THU0395 EFFICACY OF IXEKIZUMAB ON DISEASE ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE NON-RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AND OBJECTIVE SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION, STRATIFIED BY BASELINE CRP/SACROILIAC JOINT MRI STATUS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.2027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 432-433

Author(s):

W. P. Maksymowych ◽

H. Marzo-Ortega ◽

M. Ǿstergaard ◽

L. S. Gensler ◽

J. Ermann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Physical Component Score ◽

Research Support ◽

Advisory Boards ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Active Sacroiliitis

Background:Ixekizumab (IXE), a high-affinity anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, is effective in patients (pts) with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), who had elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or active sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).1Objectives:To determine if disease activity and patient-reported outcomes at Week 16 were similar between groups after stratifying pts by CRP/sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI status at baseline.Methods:COAST-X (NCT02757352) included pts with active nr-axSpA and objective signs of inflammation, i.e. presence of sacroiliitis on MRI (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society [ASAS]/ Outcome Measures in Rheumatology criteria) or elevation of serum CRP (>5.0 mg/L). Pts were randomized 1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous 80 mg IXE every 4 weeks (Q4W) or Q2W, or placebo (PBO). Depending on the baseline values of CRP and MRI SIJ (Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada [SPARCC] score), pts in the intent-to-treat population (N=239) were divided into 3 subgroups (CRP >5 and MRI ≥2; CRP ≤5 and MRI ≥2; CRP >5 and MRI <2). Logistic regression analysis with treatment, subgroup, and treatment-by-subgroup interaction was used to detect treatment group differences in ASAS40, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) <2.1 (low disease activity), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50 (BASDAI50) responses at Week 16. Analysis of covariance model with baseline value, treatment, subgroup, and treatment-by-subgroup interaction was used to detect the treatment group difference in change from baseline in Short Form-36 physical component score (SF-36 PCS).Results:The proportion of pts achieving ASAS40 (primary endpoint), ASDAS <2.1, and BASDAI50 (secondary endpoints) was higher in IXE treatment groups compared to PBO at Week 16 (Figure 1). The response rates in IXE-treated subjects were higher in all subgroups (CRP >5 and MRI ≥2; CRP ≤5 and MRI ≥2; CRP >5 and MRI <2) without consistent differences in efficacy between the subgroups. Similarly, pts in the IXE groups showed improvement in SF-36 PCS scores (secondary endpoint) versus pts on PBO at Week 16 (Figure 2).Conclusion:Pts with active nr-axSpA and objective signs of inflammation at baseline who were treated with IXE showed an overall improvement in the signs and symptoms of the disease. The efficacy was not different between pts with both elevated CRP and active sacroiliitis on MRI and pts with either elevated CRP or active sacroiliitis on MRI.References:[1]Deodhar A, et al.Lancet.2020.Disclosure of Interests:Walter P Maksymowych Grant/research support from: Received research and/or educational grants from Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: WPM is Chief Medical Officer of CARE Arthritis Limited, has received consultant/participated in advisory boards for Abbvie, Boehringer, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Received speaker fees from Abbvie, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Helena Marzo-Ortega Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda, UCB, Mikkel Ǿstergaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Lianne S. Gensler Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, UCB, Joerg Ermann Grant/research support from: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis,Pfizer, Takeda, UCB, Atul Deodhar Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Denis Poddubnyy Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis, and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, David Sandoval Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Rebecca Bolce Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Andris Kronbergs Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Soyi Liu Leage Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Gabriel Doridot Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Vladimir Geneus Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Ann Leung: None declared, David Adams Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Martin Rudwaleit Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB Pharma

Download Full-text

Using Tuning-Fork Tests in Diagnosing Fractures

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-51.7.06 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (6) ◽

pp. 498-499 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Chelsey M. Toney ◽

Kenneth E. Games ◽

Zachary K. Winkelmann ◽

Lindsey E. Eberman

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Strong Evidence ◽

Bone Scan ◽

Tuning Fork ◽

Reference Standard ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Likelihood Ratios

Reference/Citation: Mugunthan K, Doust J, Kurz B, Glasziou P. Is there sufficient evidence for tuning fork tests in diagnosing fractures? A systematic review. BMJ Open. 2014;4(8):e005238. Clinical Question: Does evidence support the use of tuning-fork tests in the diagnosis of fractures in clinical practice? Data Sources: The authors performed a comprehensive literature search of AMED, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from each database's start to November 2012. In addition, they manually searched reference lists from the initial search result to identify relevant studies. The following key words were used independently or in combination: auscultation, barford test, exp fractures, fracture, tf test, tuning fork. Study Selection: Studies were eligible based on the following criteria: (1) primary studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of tuning forks; (2) measured against a recognized reference standard such as magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, or bone scan; and (3) the outcome was reported using pain or reduction of sound. Studies included patients of all ages in all clinical settings with no exclusion for language of publication. Studies were not eligible if they were case series, case-control studies, or narrative review papers. Data Extraction: Potentially eligible studies were independently assessed by 2 researchers. All relevant articles were included and assessed for inclusion criteria and value using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool, and relevant data were extracted. The QUADAS-2 is an updated version of the original QUADAS and focuses on both the risk of bias and applicability of a study through a series of questions. A third researcher was consulted if the 2 initial reviewers did not reach consensus. Data for the primary outcome measure (accuracy of the test) were presented in a 2 × 2 contingency table to show sensitivity and specificity (using the Wilson score method) and positive and negative likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Main Results: A total of 62 citations were initially identified. Six primary studies (329 patients) were included in the review. The 6 studies assessed the accuracy of 2 tuning-fork test methods (pain induction and reduction of sound transmission). The patients ranged in age from 7 to 84 years. The prevalence of fracture in these patients ranged from 10% to 80% using a reference standard such as magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, or bone scan. The sensitivity of the tuning-fork tests was high, ranging from 75% to 92%. The specificity of the tuning-fork tests had a wide range of 18% to 94%. The positive likelihood ratios ranged from 1.1 to 16.5; the negative likelihood ratios ranged from 0.09 to 0.49. Conclusions: The studies included in this review demonstrated that tuning-fork tests have some value in ruling out fractures. However, strong evidence is lacking to support the use of current tuning-fork tests to rule in a fracture in clinical practice. Similarly, the tuning-fork tests were not statistically accurate in the diagnosis of fractures for widespread clinical use. Despite the lack of strong evidence for diagnosing all fractures, tuning-fork tests may be appropriate in rural and remote settings in which access to the gold standards for diagnosis of fractures is limited.

Download Full-text

The potential value of a pictorial atlas for aid in the visual diagnosis of 123I FP-CIT SPECT scans

Nuklearmedizin ◽

10.3413/nukmed-0230 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 48 (04) ◽

pp. 173-178 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

H. Ham ◽

A. Dobbeleir ◽

P. Santens ◽

Y. D'Asseler ◽

I. Goethals

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Roc Analysis ◽

Operating Characteristic ◽

Interobserver Variability ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Visual Assessment ◽

Added Value ◽

Related Disorder ◽

Visual Diagnosis ◽

Spect Images

SummaryThe aim of our study was to evaluate the value of a pictorial atlas of 123I FP-CIT SPECT images for aid in the visual diagnosis. Patients, materials, methods: Sixty patients, of whom 20 were clinically diagnosed as ‘non-parkinsonian’ and 40 as having Parkinson's disease or any related disorder, were included in the study. An atlas consisting of 12 123I FP-CIT SPECT images was constructed first. Validity of the atlas was investigated by performing a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with the clinical diagnosis as the gold standard. The remaining 48 SPECT images were visually assessed twice by 5 observers, first with and secondly without consulting the atlas, or vice versa. The added value of the atlas was investigated by comparing the diagnostic accuracy and the interobserver variability for both methods. Results: ROC analysis performed on the atlas yielded an area under the curve of 1 for a threshold discriminating between clinically non-parkinsonian and parkinsonian patients that was situated between image 4 and 5 of the atlas. For the diagnostic accuracy, we found that the area under the ROC curve was systematically higher if observers had access to the atlas compared to when they had not (Wilcoxon's test, p<0.05). Also, the interobserver variability was significantly lower when observers used the atlas when compared to when they did not (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher and interobserver variability significantly lower if observers had access to the atlas compared to when they had not. Hence, having a pictorial atlas available may facilitate the visual assessment of 123I FP-CIT SPECT scans.

Download Full-text

Sialolithiasis and Salivary Ductal Stenosis: Diagnostic Accuracy of MR Sialography with a Three-dimensional Extended-Phase Conjugate-Symmetry Rapid Spin-Echo Sequence

Radiology ◽

10.1148/radiology.217.2.r00oc02347 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 217 (2) ◽

pp. 347-358 ◽

Cited By ~ 108

Author(s):

Minerva Becker ◽

Francis Marchal ◽

Christoph D. Becker ◽

Pavel Dulguerov ◽

Georges Georgakopoulos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Spin Echo ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Extended Phase ◽

Phase Conjugate ◽

Spin Echo Sequence ◽

Conjugate Symmetry

Download Full-text

Diffusion Weighted MR Imaging of Primary and Recurrent Middle Ear Cholesteatoma: An Assessment by Readers with Different Expertise

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/597896 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

A. Elefante ◽

M. Cavaliere ◽

C. Russo ◽

G. Caliendo ◽

M. Marseglia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Middle Ear ◽

Spin Echo ◽

Interrater Agreement ◽

Lower Probability ◽

Kappa Statistics ◽

Single Shot ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Middle Ear Cholesteatoma

Introduction and Purpose. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has been proven to be valuable in the diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma. The aims of our study were to evaluate the advantage of multi-shot turbo spin echo (MSh TSE) DWI compared to single-shot echo-planar (SSh EPI) DWI for the diagnosis of cholesteatoma.Material and Methods. Thirty-two patients with clinical suspicion of unilateral cholesteatoma underwent preoperative MRI (1.5T) with SSh EPI and MSh TSE. Images were separately analyzed by 4 readers with different expertise to confirm the presence of cholesteatoma. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were assessed for each observer and interrater agreement was assessed using kappa statistics. Diagnosis was obtained at surgery.Results. Overall MSh TSE showed higher diagnostic accuracy and lower negative predictive value (NPV) compared to conventional SSh EPI. Interreader agreement between the observers revealed the superiority of MSh TSE compared to SSh EPI. Interrater agreement among all the four observers was higher by using MSh TSE compared to SSh EPI.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that MSh TSE DWI has higher sensitivity for detection of cholesteatoma and lower probability of misdiagnosis. MSh TSE DWI is useful in guiding less experienced observers to the diagnosis.

Download Full-text

Interest of a Joint Use of Two Diagnostic Tools of Burnout: Comparison between the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and the Early Detection Tool of Burnout Completed by Physicians

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph181910544 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (19) ◽

pp. 10544

Author(s):

Céline Leclercq ◽

Lutgart Braeckman ◽

Pierre Firket ◽

Audrey Babic ◽

Isabelle Hansez

Keyword(s):

Early Detection ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

General Practitioners ◽

The Self ◽

Added Value ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Occupational Physicians ◽

Detection Tool ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Oldenburg Burnout Inventory

Most research on burnout is based on self-reported questionnaires. Nevertheless, as far as the clinical judgement is concerned, a lack of consensus about burnout diagnosis constitutes a risk of misdiagnosis. Hence, this study aims to assess the added value of a joint use of two tools and compare their diagnostic accuracy: (1) the early detection tool of burnout, a structured interview guide, and (2) the Oldenburg burnout inventory, a self-reported questionnaire. The interview guide was tested in 2019 by general practitioners and occupational physicians among 123 Belgian patients, who also completed the self-reported questionnaire. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis allowed the identification of a cut-off score for the self-reported questionnaire. Diagnostic accuracy was then contrasted by a McNemar chi-squared test. The interview guide has a significantly higher sensitivity (0.76) than the self-reported questionnaire (0.70), even by comparing the self-reported questionnaires with the interviews of general practitioners and occupational physicians separately. However, both tools have a similar specificity (respectively, 0.60–0.67), except for the occupational physicians’ interviews, where the specificity (0.68) was significantly lower than the self-reported questionnaire (0.70). In conclusion, the early detection tool of burnout is more sensitive than the Oldenburg burnout inventory, but seems less specific. However, by crossing diagnoses reported by patients and by physicians, they both seem useful to support burnout diagnosis.

Download Full-text