Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
How to distinguish between inconsistencies in CTA results and DSA findings: interobserver variability cannot be
1Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Renovascular hypertension (RVH) diagnosis relies on imaging like CTA and DSA. This case highlights potential inconsistencies between CTA and DSA findings due to interobserver variability, emphasizing clinical correlation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is a significant cause of secondary hypertension.
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography offer high sensitivity and specificity for RVH diagnosis.
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard for reliable RVH diagnosis.
Observation:
- A case of a 30-year-old Chinese man with right ureter malformation and complete right renal artery stenosis is presented.
- Discrepancies between CTA and DSA findings in RVH diagnosis were observed.
- Interobserver variability was identified as a key factor contributing to these inconsistencies.
Findings:
- CTA and DSA may yield inconsistent results in diagnosing renovascular hypertension.
- Interobserver variability significantly impacts the interpretation of imaging studies for RVH.
- Clinical correlation is crucial for accurate RVH diagnosis.
Implications:
- Clinicians must critically evaluate imaging findings in the context of patient history and clinical presentation.
- Over-reliance on any single imaging modality, including DSA, can lead to diagnostic errors.
- Integrating multiple data points is essential to avoid unnecessary medical disputes and ensure accurate RVH management.
Abstract:
Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is a common cause of secondary hypertension. Noninvasive tests such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography have a high specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is, however, the gold standard with which RVH can be reliably diagnosed. We report the case of a 30-year-old Chinese man with right ureter malformation and stenosis of the entire right renal artery. We discuss how to distinguish between inconsistencies in CTA results and DSA findings. Interobserver variability is an important factor that leads to such inconsistencies and cannot be ignored. Importantly, clinicians should combine imaging findings with the patient's medical history and clinical manifestations rather than blindly believing the DSA results so as to avoid unnecessary medical disputes.
Related Concept Videos
Reliability and Validity
Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test
Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision
Random and Systematic Errors
Random and Systematic Errors
One-Way ANOVA: Equal Sample Sizes
Different sample means can result in different values for the variance estimate: variance between samples. This is because the variance between samples is calculated as the product of the sample size and the variance between the...

