Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

External validation of the Brain Tumour Reporting and Data System (BT-RADS) in the multidisciplinary managementof post-treatment gliomas

Pol J Radiol. 2024 Mar 15;89:e148-e155. doi: 10.5114/pjr.2024.136390. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To independently and externally validate the Brain Tumour Reporting and Data System (BT-RADS) for post-treatment gliomas and assess interobserver variability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, consecutive MRIs of 100 post-treatment glioma patients were reviewed by two independent radiologists (RD1 and RD2) and assigned a BT-RADS score. Inter-observer agreement statistics were determined by kappa statistics. The BT-RADS-linked management recommendations per score were compared with the multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) decisions.

RESULTS: The overall agreement rate between RD1 and RD2 was 62.7% (κ = 0.67). The agreement rate between RD1 and consensus was 83.3% (κ = 0.85), while the agreement between RD2 and consensus was 69.3% (κ = 0.79). Among the radiologists, agreement was highest for score 2 and lowest for score 3b. There was a 97.9% agreement between BT-RADS-linked management recommendations and MDM decisions.

CONCLUSIONS: BT-RADS scoring led to improved consistency, and standardised language in the structured MRI reporting of post-treatment brain tumours. It demonstrated good overall agreement among the reporting radiologists at both extremes; however, variation rates increased in the middle part of the spectrum. The interpretation categories linked to management decisions showed a near-perfect match with MDM decisions.

PMID:38550961 | PMC:PMC10976615 | DOI:10.5114/pjr.2024.136390

By Nevin Manimala

Portfolio Website for Nevin Manimala