Abstract

Objectives: To examine discrepancy rates over multiple annual cycles in reporting by consultant radiologists for the interpretation of acute CT examinations.
Methods: A prospective audit with peer review second reading of acute CT scans was implemented in one radiology department in the UK. A longitudinal audit over five years was performed to determine the discrepancy rate of acute and emergency CT scans conducted at weekends. The examinations comprised CT Head, Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis, CT KUB, and CT Angiography scans. Discrepancies were scored as no discrepancy (zero), minor discrepancy (one), moderate discrepancy (two) or significant discrepancy (three). Seventeen consultants took part in the audit as primary reporters and second readers. All consultants were on-call radiologists, and the allocation of cases was randomised depending on the on-call rota. Results were reported annually to one consultant radiologist.
Results: A significant discrepancy rate of 1.2% (p=0.026) was found for consultant radiologists interpreting acute CT examinations based on 2951 second read CT scans.
Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish significant discrepancy rates amongst consultant radiologists interpreting acute CT examinations over time.