An evaluation of the inter-observer and intra-observer variability of the ultrasound diagnosis of polycystic ovaries

Authors: S.A.K.S. Amer¹; T.C. Li¹; C. Bygrave²; A. Sprigg³; H. Saravelos⁴; I.D. Cooke¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 17, Number 6, June 2002 , pp. 1616-1622(7)

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: This prospective observational study was undertaken to evaluate the reliability and consistency of ultrasound diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Eighteen women with clinical and biochemical features suggestive of PCOS and nine normal control women underwent transvaginal ultrasound scan by a single ultrasonographer. The 27 ovarian scans were video-recorded and the recordings were later edited and arranged randomly so that each record appeared twice at random on the tape producing a total of 54 ovarian scans. Four experienced observers independently reviewed the recordings. The observers scored each case as follows: normal, possible polycystic ovary (PCO) and definite PCO. RESULTS: The mean intra-observer agreement was 69.4% ( kappa

= 0.54) and the mean inter-observer agreement was 51% ( kappa

= 0.28). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the currently used ultrasonographic criteria for the diagnosis of polycystic ovaries do have significant intra-observer and inter-observer variability and as such must be considered subjective. Transvaginal ultrasonography alone may not therefore be a reliable method of diagnosing or excluding PCOS.

Keywords: observer variability; polycystic ovaries; transvaginal scan

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, The Jessop Wing, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, 2: Department of Medical Physics & Clinical Technology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, 3: Department of Radiology, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK and 4: University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54008 Thessaloniki, Greece

Publication date: 2002-06-01

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Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

An evaluation of the inter-observer and intra-observer variability of the ultrasound diagnosis of polycystic ovaries

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