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Value of selective second-look sonography by radiologists
F N Tessler1, M E Tublin, J C Peters
1Department of Radiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
Radiology
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Radiologist review of sonography (ultrasound) findings is valuable. This second-look sonography by radiologists confirmed or refuted initial findings, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Sonography is a widely used diagnostic imaging technique.
- The interpretation of sonographic findings can be complex and may benefit from expert review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of a radiologist performing a second-look sonography after reviewing a sonographer's initial findings.
- To determine if radiologist-performed ultrasound adds value beyond the initial sonographer's interpretation.
Main Methods:
- 398 sonograms from 392 patients were analyzed.
- Radiologists reviewed sonographer findings, performed additional imaging, and recorded conclusions.
- Radiologists predicted the likelihood of new or refuting findings; follow-up data were collected for discrepancies.
Main Results:
- The radiologist identified important new findings in 28 cases.
- Initial sonographer findings were refuted in 24 cases.
- Discrepancies occurred in 22% of cases predicted to benefit from additional scanning versus 6% not predicted to benefit (P<.0001).
Conclusions:
- Second-look sonography performed by radiologists serves as a crucial quality check.
- Radiologist review of sonography enhances diagnostic accuracy by confirming or correcting initial interpretations.