The Use of Descriptive Terms for Ventricular Size on Noncontrast Head CT Radiology Reports

Multiple radiographic terms can be used to describe enlarged ventricles on noncontrast head computed tomography (CTs); however, precise terminology is important to determine etiology and clinical management. The purpose of this study was to characterize how ventricular size was described in radiology reports, especially in the setting of hydrocephalus.

A retrospective review of adult patients with at least 2 consecutive noncontrast head CTs from 2010 to 2016 was performed. Reports were grouped based on ventricular descriptions into 3 categories: "acceptable," "unclear," and "not acceptable." An additional subgroup was created for an examination indication of "hydrocephalus." Descriptive statistics and subgroup analysis were performed.

A total of 270 patients with noncontrast head CTs were included, of which 53.3% (n = 144) used "acceptable" terms, 18.2% (n = 49) "unclear," and 28.5% (n = 77) "not acceptable." Ventricle size was reported as normal in 21.1% (n = 57) of cases. "Hydrocephalus" was given as an indication for 57 exams, of which 84.2% (n = 48) were categorized as "acceptable," 7.0% (n = 4) "unclear," and 8.8% (n = 5) "not acceptable." Chi-square test of independence revealed a significant relation between "acceptable" terminology and "hydrocephalus" indication (χ² = 27.68, P< 0.001).

Approximately half of radiology reports had an "acceptable" description of the ventricles. When "hydrocephalus" was in the indication, the report was more likely to have an "acceptable" description. Accurate clinical indications, and standardized terminology may improve the clinical utility of radiology reports for patients with hydrocephalus.