Accuracy of the Interpretation of Chest Radiographs for the Diagnosis of Paediatric Pneumonia

作者：Elemraid Mohamed A^*; Muller Michelle; Spencer David A; Rushton Stephen P; Gorton Russell; Thomas Matthew F; Eastham Katherine M; Hampton Fiona; Gennery Andrew R; Clark Julia E

来源：PLos One, 2014, 9(8): e106051.

DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0106051

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) radiological classification remains an important entry criterion in epidemiological studies of pneumonia in children. We report inter-observer variability in the interpretation of 169 chest radiographs in children suspected of having pneumonia. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: An 18-month prospective aetiological study of pneumonia was undertaken in Northern England. Chest radiographs were performed on eligible children aged %26lt;= 16 years with clinical features of pneumonia. The initial radiology report was compared with a subsequent assessment by a consultant cardiothoracic radiologist. Chest radiographic changes were categorised according to the WHO classification. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: There was significant disagreement (22%) between the first and second reports (kappa = 0.70, P%26lt;0.001), notably in those aged %26lt;5 years (26%, kappa = 0.66, P%26lt;0.001). The most frequent sources of disagreement were the reporting of patchy and perihilar changes. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusion: This substantial inter-observer variability highlights the need for experts from different countries to create a consensus to review the radiological definition of pneumonia in children.

• 出版日期2014-8-22