학술논문
Detection of varicose vein recurrence by duplex ultrasound: intra- and interobserver reproducibility.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*DISEASE relapse
*ULTRASONIC imaging
*MEDICAL lasers
*PHYSICIANS
*STATISTICS
*INTER-observer reliability
*DESCRIPTIVE statistics
*VARICOSE veins
*DIAGNOSIS
*THERAPEUTICS
RESEARCH evaluation
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Language
ISSN
0268-3555
Abstract
In a long-term follow-up study comparing saphenofemoral ligation and stripping with endovenous laser ablation, the groin is examined yearly by duplex ultrasound (DUS) to detect postoperative varicose vein recurrence. Clear criteria are needed for the uniformity of DUS observations. Physicians taking care of the follow-up were evaluated by an intra- and interobserver analysis. DUS films of 22 patients with no recurrence and 22 patients with recurrence of varicose veins were twice interpreted in two sessions. Observations were analysed by a kappa test. Interpretations of DUS by experienced observers show a kappa >7. Improved kappa results were measured over time in our physician in training. In conclusion, the reproducibility of DUS studies performed by the experienced observers of the study is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]