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Sonographic measurement of abdominal aortic diameter: interobserver variability
E K Yucel1, D J Fillmore, T A Knox
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Summary
Interobserver variability in abdominal aortic ultrasound measurements was assessed. Results showed slight variations in anteroposterior (APL, APA) and right-left (RLA) diameters, indicating good reliability for abdominal aorta sonography.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Vascular Ultrasound
Background:
- Accurate measurement of the abdominal aorta is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring aortic aneurysms.
- Sonography is a widely used, non-invasive imaging modality for abdominal aorta assessment.
- Understanding interobserver variability is essential for ensuring measurement consistency and diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the interobserver variability in measuring the abdominal aorta using ultrasound.
- To determine the reliability of different measurement techniques (anteroposterior longitudinal, anteroposterior axial, right-left axial).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight patients undergoing abdominal aorta sonography were included.
- Two independent observers obtained three measurements: anteroposterior diameter from longitudinal (APL) and axial (APA) images, and right-left diameter from axial images (RLA).
- Interobserver variability and 95% confidence intervals for each measurement were calculated.
Main Results:
- Interobserver variability was 2.22 mm for APL, 2.53 mm for APA, and 2.84 mm for RLA.
- The 95% confidence intervals for a single measurement were 4.35 mm (APL), 4.94 mm (APA), and 5.58 mm (RLA).
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound measurements of the abdominal aorta demonstrate good interobserver reliability.
- The assessed measurement techniques are consistent, supporting their use in clinical practice for abdominal aorta evaluation.