Rapid Review: Diagnostic Accuracy of Pooled Testing versus Individual Testing Using RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 for Screening and Surveillance of Individuals with Suspected COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowena Natividad F. Genuino ◽  
Beatrice J. Tiangco ◽  
John Jefferson V. Besa ◽  
Howell Henrian G. Bayona
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Pool Size ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pooled Testing ◽  
Screening And Surveillance

Background. Pooled testing has been implemented on a limited scale, mainly for screening and surveillance in populations with a low prevalence of COVID-19 to save on limited resources. Objective. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of pooled compared with individual RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in individuals suspected of COVID-19. Methods. We searched websites of living CPGs on COVID-19 (Australian COVID-19, COVID NMA, CEBM Oxford), Philippine DOH HTA, databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, medRXIV/bioRXIV), and Clinicaltrials.gov for studies that used pooled testing on individuals suspected of COVID-19. When appropriate, we pooled data for sensitivity and specificity and obtained the range and median of other data, such as positive predictive value and resource savings. We did a priori subgroup analysis for pool size, presence or absence of symptoms and use case, type of specimen, cutoff for positivity, type of kit, and post hoc subgroup analysis for method of pooling and timing of processing. Results. We included 21 studies: 6 diagnostic accuracy studies, and 15 clinical validation studies. Studies had varying populations, index test kit and performance characteristics, positivity rate (0.02 to 15%), and pool size (5 to 16). There was moderate pooled sensitivity, 81% (95% CI 72, 88; I2=73.6%; 6 studies, 776 pools) and high pooled specificity, 99% (95% CI, 98 to 100; I2=1.84%; 5 studies, 666 pools). Positive predictive value based on 21 studies ranged from 67% to 100%. Resource savings in the number of test kits used ranged from 49 to 89%. Identified harms of pooled testing were delayed turnaround time for positive samples and laboratory errors. Conclusion. There is moderate sensitivity and high specificity with pooled testing for the screening of individuals with suspected COVID-19. We recommend further studies to validate the utility based on community prevalence and other test variables.

scholarly journals Accuracy of MSCT Coronary Angiography with 64 Row CT Scanner—Facing the Facts

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. CMC.S3864 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Wehrschuetz ◽  
E. Wehrschuetz ◽  
H. Schuchlenz ◽  
G. Schaffler
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Potential ◽  
Coronary Artery Stenoses ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Msct Angiography

Improvements in multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography of the coronary vessels have enabled the minimally invasive detection of coronary artery stenoses, while quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) is the accepted reference standard for evaluation thereof. Sixteen-slice MSCT showed promising diagnostic accuracy in detecting coronary artery stenoses haemodynamically and the subsequent introduction of 64-slice scanners promised excellent and fast results for coronary artery studies. This prompted us to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the negative und positive predictive value of 64-slice MSCT in the detection of haemodynamically significant coronary artery stenoses. Thirty-seven consecutive subjects with suspected coronary artery disease were evaluated with MSCT angiography and the results compared with QCA. All vessels were considered for the assessment of significant coronary artery stenosis (diameter reduction ≥ 50%). Thirteen patients (35%) were identified as having significant coronary artery stenoses on QCA with 6.3% (35/555) affected segments. None of the coronary segments were excluded from analysis. Overall sensitivity for classifying stenoses of 64-slice MSCT was 69%, specificity was 92%, positive predictive value was 38% and negative predictive value was 98%. The interobserver variability for detection of significant lesions had a κ-value of 0.43. Sixty-four-slice MSCT offers the diagnostic potential to detect coronary artery disease, to quantify haemodynamically significant coronary artery stenoses and to avoid unnecessary invasive coronary artery examinations.

Influence of lesion location on the accuracy of CT derived FFR: head-to-head comparison with invasive FFR

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Moshage ◽  
S Smolka ◽  
S Achenbach ◽  
F Ammon ◽  
P Ferstl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
Jude Medical ◽  
Lesion Location ◽  
Distal Vessel

Abstract Background The accuracy of CT-derived FFR (FFRCT) has been repeatedly reported. However, the influence of lesion location on accuracy is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of FFRCT to detect lesion-specific ischemia and determined the influence of lesion location (proximal vs. distal vessel segments) compared to invasively measured FFR in patients with suspected CAD. Methods A total of 136 vessels in which “Dual-Source”-CT coronary angiography had been performed due to suspected CAD and who were further referred for invasive coronary angiography with invasive FFR measurement within three months of the index CT examination were retrospectively identified and screened for inclusion in this analysis. Patients with either left main coronary artery stenoses, bifurcation or ostial stenoses were excluded. Invasive FFR was measured using a pressure wire (CERTUS®, St. Jude Medical, Minnesota, USA or Verrata®, Volcano, San Diego, USA). FFRCT was calculated using an on-site prototype (cFFR Version 3.0, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany). All vessels were analyzed by an experienced observer blinded to the results of invasive FFR. Stenoses with invasively measured FFR ≤0.80 were classified as hemodynamically significant. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of FFRCT in proximal vs. non-proximal vessel segments. Proximal lesions included stenoses located in segment one, six, eleven and twelve. All other stenoses were categorized as distal lesions. Results Out of 136 coronary stenoses, 47 (35%) were located in proximal segments and 89 (65%) lesions were located in distal segments. Compared to invasive FFR, the sensitivity of FFRCT to correctly identify/exclude hemodynamically significant stenoses in proximal vessel segments was 93% (95% CI: 68–99.8%) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI: 89–100%), compared to a sensitivity of 72% (95% CI: 46.5–90%) and a specificity of 87% (95% CI: 77–94%) for FFRCT in distal lesions. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 97% (95% CI: 82.8–99.5%) compared to a positive predictive value of 59% (95% CI: 42–93.9%) and a negative predictive value of 93% (95% CI: 85.4–96.3%) for proximal vs. distal vessel segment, respectively. This corresponds to an accuracy of 98% vs. 84%, respectively (p=0.02). ROC-Curve analysis showed a slightly higher – albeit non-significant – area under the curve for FFRCT to detect hemodynamic relevance in proximal lesions compared to distal lesions (AUC 0.95, p<0.001 vs. AUC: 0.86, p<0.001, respectively, p=0.2). Conclusion FFRCT obtained using an on-site prototype shows overall a high diagnostic accuracy for detecting lesions causing ischemia as compared to invasive FFR with a trend towards better diagnostic performance in proximal vessel segments. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Diagnostic accuracy of monofilament test to detect diabetic neuropathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25
Author(s):  
Sujan Shrestha ◽  
Mamen Prasad Gorhaly ◽  
Manil Ratna Bajracharya
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Perception Threshold ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Vibration Perception ◽  
Monofilament Test

Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a significant independent risk factor for diabetic foot, and an effective screening instrument is required to diagnose DPN early to prevent future ulceration and amputation. This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of monofilament test to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir hospital, Mahabouddha, Kathmandu from February 2016 to January 2017. A total of 96 diabetic patients attending inpatient and outpatient Department were selected. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was assessed by measurement of loss of protective sensation (LOPS) by monofilament test and compared with vibration perception threshold by standard biothesiometer. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of monofilament test were calculated. Results The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 26%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of monofilament test were found to be 92.0%, 95.8%, 88.5% and 97.1% respectively. There was strong association between LOPS by monofilament and vibration perception threshold by biothesiometer. Conclusion This study showed a strong diagnostic accuracy of monofilament test to detect DPN when compared with biothesiometer. As monofilament test is a cheap, easily available, and portable, it can be used in the periphery where biothesiometer is not available.  

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF GRAY SCALE ULTRASONOGRAPHY VERSUS COLOR DOPPLER IN SUSPECTED CASES OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahir Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Usman Shahid ◽  
Ishfaq Ahmad Shad ◽  
Shahzad Karim Bhatti ◽  
Syed Amir Gilani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Gray Scale ◽  
Versus Color ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: A common surgical emergency is acute appendicitis. Various diagnostic tools are available to diagnosis acute appendicitis. Radiological investigations play an important role in making accurate and early diagnosis and thus preventing morbidity associated with the disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of gray scale ultrasonography versus color Doppler in suspected cases of acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried in the department of Radiology of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. A total of 75 patients were enrolled of age 18-40 years, both genders who were suspected cases of acute appendicitis. All patients underwent baseline investigations along with gray scale ultrasonography and color Doppler. All patients were subjected to surgery to confirm the diagnosis and findings were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 23.25 ±10.55 and mean transverse diameter of appendix was 8.37 ±3.39. There were 62.7% males and 37.3%females. Findings of gray scale ultrasonography and color Doppler were then correlated with surgical findings to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of these modalities. The results revealed that gray scale ultrasonography sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy was 92.7%, 94.32%, 95%, 91.4% and 93.3% respectively, whereas color Doppler had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 97.7%, 93.9%, 95.3%, 97% and 96% respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of both modalities together was 98.6%. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler has better diagnostic accuracy than gray scale ultrasonography for diagnosis of acute appendicitis and the combination of both modalities yields diagnostic accuracy that is similar to gold standard.

scholarly journals ACCURACY OF THE UPPER LIP BITE TEST;

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD ATIF ◽  
MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH ◽  
MUHAMMAD JAVAD YOUSAF ◽  
Khalid Buland
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Difficult Intubation ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Upper Lip ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Objective: To compare the accuracy of Upper lip bite test with modified Mallampati classification for predicting the difficultlaryngoscopic intubation. Study Design: Cross sectional Study. Place and duration of study: The study was carried out at Department ofAnaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain management, Combined Military hospital, Rawalpindi from September 2008 to August 2009.Patients and Methods: Four hundred patients undergoing elective surgery meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled afterwritten informed consent. The airways of the patients were evaluated by using the modified Mallampati classification (MMP) and theUpper lip bite test (ULBT). MMP class 3 or 4 and ULBT class 3 were considered as indicators of difficult intubation. The laryngeal view wasgraded by Cormack and Lehane classification (Gold standard). Grade 1 or 2 was considered to represent easy intubation and grade 3 or 4to represent difficult intubation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy werecalculated for both the tests separately by using the 2×2 table. Results: ULBT had a higher accuracy of 94%, specificity of 99.2% andpositive predictive value 70% compared to MMP accuracy of 82.7%, specificity of 84.4% and positive predictive value of 22.7%.Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of the Upper lip bite test was more than the modified Mallampati classification. We suggest that itbe compared with the other prevailing tests as well which are often used to assess difficult intubations.

scholarly journals EVALUATING THE PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF THE NIPISSING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENTAL SCREEN IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS AT THE 18-MONTH HEALTH SUPERVISION VISIT

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. e37-e37
Author(s):  
Vinusha Gunaseelan ◽  
Patricia Parkin ◽  
Imaan Bayoumi ◽  
Patricia Jiang ◽  
Alexandra Medline ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Developmental Delay ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Developmental Screening ◽  
Research Personnel ◽  
Health Supervision

Abstract BACKGROUND The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recommends that every Canadian physician caring for young children provide an enhanced 18-month well-baby visit including the use of a developmental screening tool, such as the Nipissing District Developmental Screen (NDDS). The Province of Ontario implemented an enhanced 18-month well-baby visit specifically emphasizing the NDDS, which is now widely used in Ontario primary care. However, the diagnostic accuracy of the NDDS in identifying early developmental delays in real-world clinical settings is unknown. OBJECTIVES To assess the predictive validity of the NDDS in primary care for identifying developmental delay and prompting a specialist referral at the 18-month health supervision visit. DESIGN/METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study enrolling healthy children from primary care practices. Parents completed the 18-month NDDS during their child’s scheduled health supervision visit between January 2012 and February 2015. Using a standardized data collection form, research personnel abstracted data from the child’s health records regarding the child’s developmental outcomes following the 18-month assessment. Data collected included confirmed diagnoses of a development delay, specialist referrals, family history, and interventions. Research personnel were blind to the results of the NDDS. We assessed the diagnostic test properties of the NDDS with a confirmed diagnosis of developmental delay as the criterion measure. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated, with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS We included 255 children with a mean age of 18.5 months (range, 17.5–20.6) and 139 (55%) were male. 102 (40%) screened positive (1+ flag result on their NDDS). A total of 48 (19%) children were referred, and 23 (9%) had a confirmed diagnosis of a developmental delay (speech and language: 14; gross motor: 4; autism spectrum disorder: 3; global developmental delay: 1; developmental delay: 1). The sensitivity was 74% (95% CI: 52–90%), specificity was 63% (95% CI: 57–70%), positive predictive value was 17% (95% CI:10–25%), and the negative predictive value was 96% (95% CI: 92–99%). CONCLUSION For developmental screening tools, sensitivity between 70%-80% and specificity of 80% have been suggested. The NDDS has moderate sensitivity and specificity in identifying developmental delay at the 18-month health supervision visit. The 1+NDDS flag cut-point may lead to overdiagnosis with more children with typical development being referred, leading to longer wait times for specialist referrals among children in need. Future work includes investigating the diagnostic accuracy of combining the NDDS with other screening tools.

Prognostic Value of Circulating Melanoma Cells Detected by Reverse Transcriptase–Polymerase Chain Reaction

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Palmieri ◽  
Paolo A. Ascierto ◽  
Francesco Perrone ◽  
Sabrina M.R. Satriano ◽  
Alessandro Ottaiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stage Of Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Purpose: Factors that are predictive of prognosis in patients who are diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM) are widely awaited. Detection of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has recently been postulated as a possible negative prognostic factor. Two main questions were addressed: first, whether the presence of CMCs, defined as the patient being positive for any of the three markers, had a prognostic role; and second, what the predictive value of each individual marker was. Patients and Methods: A consecutive series of 200 melanoma patients observed between January 1997 and December 1997, with stage of disease ranging from I to IV, was analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Tyrosinase, p97, and MelanA/MART1 were used as markers to CMCs on baseline peripheral blood samples. Progression-free survival (PFS) was used as a unique end point and was described by the product limit method. Multivariable analysis was applied to verify whether the auspicated prognostic value of these markers was independent of the stage of disease, and a subgroup analysis was performed that excluded patients with stage IV disease. Results: Overall, 32% (64 of 200) of patients progressed, and a median PFS of 52 months in the whole series was observed. The presence of CMCs and the markers individually or combined was predictive of prognosis in the univariate analysis but did not provide additional prognostic information to the stage of disease in multivariable models. In the subgroup analysis of stage (ie, I–III subgroup), similar results were observed. Conclusion: Detection of CMCs in peripheral blood samples at the time of MM diagnosis by semiquantitative RT-PCR does not add any significant predictive value to the stage of disease. Thus, this approach should not be used in clinical practice, and further studies are required to determine its usefulness.

scholarly journals Utility of Apical Lung Assessment on Computed Tomography Angiography as a COVID-19 Screen in Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 3765-3769
Author(s):  
Charles Esenwa ◽  
Ji-Ae Lee ◽  
Taha Nisar ◽  
Anna Shmukler ◽  
Inessa Goldman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Patient Reported

Background and Purpose: Evaluation of the lung apices using computed tomography angiography of the head and neck during acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can provide the first objective opportunity to screen for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: We performed an analysis assessing the utility of apical lung exam on computed tomography angiography for COVID-19–specific lung findings in 57 patients presenting with AIS. We measured the diagnostic accuracy of apical lung assessment alone and in combination with patient-reported symptoms and incorporate both to propose a COVID-19 era AIS algorithm. Results: Apical lung assessment when used in isolation, yielded a sensitivity of 0.67, specificity of 0.93, positive predictive value of 0.19, negative predictive value of 0.99, and accuracy of 0.92 for the diagnosis of COVID-19, in patients presenting to the hospital for AIS. When combined with self-reported clinical symptoms of cough or shortness of breath, sensitivity of apical lung assessment improved to 0.83. Conclusions: Apical lung assessment on computed tomography angiography is an accurate screening tool for COVID-19 and can serve as part of a combined screening approach in AIS.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a novel immunoassay to detect p-tau Thr217 in the CSF to distinguish Alzheimer disease from other dementias

Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 95 (22) ◽  
pp. e3026-e3035
Author(s):  
Jozef Hanes ◽  
Andrej Kovac ◽  
Hlin Kvartsberg ◽  
Eva Kontsekova ◽  
Lubica Fialova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Total Tau ◽  
Β Amyloid ◽  
Healthy Participants

ObjectiveTo investigate whether tau phosphorylated at Thr217 (p-tau T217) assay in CSF can distinguish patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) from patients with other dementias and healthy controls.MethodsWe developed and validated a novel Simoa immunoassay to detect p-tau T217 in CSF. There was a total of 190 participants from 3 cohorts with AD (n = 77) and other neurodegenerative diseases (n = 69) as well as healthy participants (n = 44).ResultsThe p-tau T217 assay (cutoff 242 pg/mL) identified patients with AD with accuracy of 90%, with 78% positive predictive value (PPV), 97% negative predictive value (NPV), 93% sensitivity, and 88% specificity, compared favorably with p-tau T181 ELISA (52 pg/mL), showing 78% accuracy, 58% PPV, 98% NPV, 71% specificity, and 97% sensitivity. The assay distinguished patients with AD from age-matched healthy controls (cutoff 163 pg/mL, 98% sensitivity, 93% specificity), similarly to p-tau T181 ELISA (cutoff 60 pg/mL, 96% sensitivity, 86% specificity). In patients with AD, we found a strong correlation between p-tau T217 and p-tau T181, total tau and β-amyloid 40, but not β-amyloid 42.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that p-tau T217 displayed better diagnostic accuracy than p-tau T181. The data suggest that the new p-tau T217 assay has potential as an AD diagnostic test in clinical evaluation.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that a CSF immunoassay for p-tau T217 distinguishes patients with AD from patients with other dementias and healthy controls.

Preoperative computed tomography assessment for a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: a new easy technique from the Bologna experience

2020 ◽  
pp. 028418512096389
Author(s):  
Matteo Renzulli ◽  
Alfredo Clemente ◽  
Stefano Brocchi ◽  
Chiara Gelati ◽  
Simone Zanotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Reconstruction Method ◽  
Branching Pattern ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
3D Reconstructions ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator

Background Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction is the gold standard reconstructive technique for women undergoing breast cancer surgery. A preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA)-dedicated protocol and 3D reconstructions are mandatory for correct surgical planning. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a new preoperative CTA protocol and a new reconstruction method in the assessment of DIEP technique. Material and Methods A total of 263 women (median age 49 years, age range 26–73 years) underwent preoperative CTA examination before DIEP flap breast reconstruction. A CTA-dedicated protocol followed by 3D-reconstructions were performed. Identification, branching pattern, and caliber at origin were assessed for each perforator. Intraoperative findings were the standard of reference. The sensitivity, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the preoperative CTA protocol were calculated. Results In 255/263 (97%) patients, the dominant perforators assessed by CTA resulted adequate for surgical reconstruction. In 260/263 (99%) cases, the imaging localization of the dominant perforators corresponded with those seen intraoperatively (mean errors ≤1 cm). The preoperative CTA imaging sensitivity, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy in determining the localization of perforators were 99% (95% CI 98–100), 100% and 99% (95% CI 98–100), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the CTA findings and the surgical findings for the assessment of branching pattern and caliber of the dominant perforators ( P < 0.001). Conclusion The present protocol has demonstrated high accuracy in the CTA imaging assessment of the perforators before DIEP flap reconstruction with high reproducibility between CT and surgical findings.

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