Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Radiological anatomical measurements of the superficial temporal artery: an interobserver reproducibility study
Brieg Dissaux1,2,3, Alexis Robert4, Marie Duigou5,6
1Univ Brest, Inserm, UMR 1304, GETBO, Brest, France. brieg.dissaux@univ-brest.fr.
Purpose:
Numerous studies have already reported on the anatomy of the superficial temporal artery (STA) on dissection or imaging, and more specifically on CT angiography. However, few studies have reported on the possible variations that exist between readers in the assessment of certain anatomical parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of different anatomical measurements of the superficial temporal artery with CT angiography.
Methods:
Forty cranial iodine contrast-enhanced CT scans were searched in a retrospective monocentric study. Various anatomical categorical and quantitative measurements (more or less automatic) of the superficial temporal artery were assessed. To evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility of various anatomical measurements of the superficial temporal artery obtained through CT angiography, descriptive statistics, kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were employed.
Results:
Eighty STAs were analyzed independently by two readers. The kappa coefficient for determining the mode of STA termination was substantial (kappa = 0.782). The number of loops was mean 0.22 vs. 0.25 (p = 0.981; ICC = 0.701) and the number of kinks was mean 5.68vs5.64 (p = 0.876; ICC = 0.860). No significant difference was found between readers for the determination of the distance of the STA termination to different superficial landmark lines. No significant difference in the orientation angles of the STA and the frontal and parietal branches was found. Semi-automatic measurements of the length of the STA appeared (ICC > 0.7) reproducible whereas semi-automatic measurements (surface, perimeter, short diameter, large diameter) appeared statistically less reproducible (ICC < 0.5). These results must also be interpreted in the light of the spatial resolutions inherent in the CT angiography technique.
Conclusion:
The present study provides information concerning the reproducibility of certain anatomical measurements of the superficial temporal artery in CT angiography.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...