The effects of misinterpretation of an artefact on multidetector row CT scans in children

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dc.contributor.authorDu Plessis A.-M.
dc.contributor.authorTheron S.
dc.contributor.authorAndronikou S.
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-15T16:17:41Z
dc.date.available2011-05-15T16:17:41Z
dc.date.issued2009
dc.description.abstractBackground: Artefacts reflect problems with radiographic technique rather than true pathology. These may be misinterpreted as pathology with serious consequences. An artefact caused such problems in one paediatric imaging department. Objective: To determine the incidence, and consequences of misinterpretation, of a CT artefact in a paediatric imaging department. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of images and reports of paediatric CT scans over a set period with a known artefact was performed. Reports were correlated with reviewers' evaluation of the presence of artefact and reviewed for correct identification of artefact, misinterpretation as pathology, and action taken as a result. Results: A total of 74 CT scans had been performed over the study period and an artefact detected by reviewers on 32 (43%). Six (18.75%) of these were misinterpreted as pathology, of which three (9.4%) were reported as tuberculous granulomas, two (6.2%) as haemorrhages and one (3.1%) as an unknown hyperdensity. Two patients (6.2%) had subsequent MRI studies performed, and treatment for tuberculosis was continued in one patient (3.1%). Conclusion: No initial report identified the artefact. One-fifth of the scans with the artefact were misinterpreted as pathology and half of these misinterpretations led to further action. Artefacts result in false diagnoses and unnecessary investigations; vigilance is needed. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.
dc.description.versionArticle
dc.identifier.citationPediatric Radiology
dc.identifier.citation39
dc.identifier.citation2
dc.identifier.issn03010449
dc.identifier.other10.1007/s00247-008-1052-1
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/14323
dc.subjectgadolinium
dc.subjectarticle
dc.subjectartifact
dc.subjectbleeding
dc.subjectcontrolled study
dc.subjectdiagnostic error
dc.subjectgranuloma
dc.subjectmultidetector computed tomography
dc.subjectnuclear magnetic resonance imaging
dc.subjectpriority journal
dc.subjectradiodiagnosis
dc.subjectradiologist
dc.subjectradiology department
dc.subjecttuberculosis
dc.subjecttuberculous meningitis
dc.subjectAdolescent
dc.subjectArtifacts
dc.subjectBrain Diseases
dc.subjectChild
dc.subjectChild, Preschool
dc.subjectDiagnostic Errors
dc.subjectEchoencephalography
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectInfant
dc.subjectInfant, Newborn
dc.subjectMale
dc.subjectObserver Variation
dc.subjectReproducibility of Results
dc.subjectSensitivity and Specificity
dc.subjectTomography, X-Ray Computed
dc.titleThe effects of misinterpretation of an artefact on multidetector row CT scans in children
dc.typeArticle
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