Inter-observer variability of radiologists and gynecologists in hysterosalpingogram evaluation

Abstract

Objective: Reading of hysterosalpingography (HSG) films is important for management of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare HSG interpretation of radiologists and clinicians. Material and Methods: Two clinicians and 2 radiologists, who were 35-43 years old and were fulfilled 5 years in their speciality, evaluated 116 hysterosalpingograms. HSG pictures were viewed at computer monitor and the observers were asked to evaluate them within a standard framework consisted of several questions for diagnosis of uterine and tubal disease. The consistency of each individual reader, the reliability of detecting specific abnormalities, and the consistency of clinicians compared with radiologists was measured. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the consistency of interpretations for contour of uterine cavity, uterine deviation, and uterine filling defect (p<0.05). Evaluation of uterine anomalies with HSG were similar between clinicians and radiologists (p>0.05). Although ratios of hydrosalphinx were similar between clinicians and radiologists (p>0.05), there were differences for the evaluation of bilateral tubal contrast falling (p<0.05). Conclusion: Gynecologists have more inter-observer variability than radiologists in hysterosalpingography evaluation. However, both clinicians and radiologists were compatible within themselves. Compatibility of radiologists was higher than that of clinicians. Better designed studies are needed in order to confirm the variability of HSG reports and to answer the question of "who should read HSGs of infertile women?. © Copyright 2016 by Türkiye Klinikleri.