Cancer Imaging (Jul 2020)

Inter-observer agreement of baseline whole body MRI in multiple myeloma

  • James Croft,
  • Angela Riddell,
  • Dow-Mu Koh,
  • Kate Downey,
  • Matthew Blackledge,
  • Marianne Usher,
  • Kevin Boyd,
  • Martin Kaiser,
  • Christina Messiou

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40644-020-00328-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Background Whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now incorporated into international guidance for imaging patients with multiple myeloma. The aim of this study was to investigate inter-observer agreement of triple reported baseline whole-body MRI in myeloma and highlight potential pitfalls. Methods Fifty-seven patients with symptomatic myeloma at first presentation or relapse and planned for autologous stem cell transplant were included. All patients completed baseline whole body MRI within 2 weeks prior to starting treatment. Each scan was reported independently by 3 radiologists using a defined scoring system. Differences in observer scores were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and inter-observer agreement assessed using intra class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results There was no significant difference in mean observer scores for whole skeleton and ICC demonstrated excellent inter-observer agreement at 0.91. ICC varied between skeletal regions with spine, pelvis and ribs showing good inter-observer agreement, whereas skull and long bones were moderate. Scans with variation in observer scores were re-examined and cause of discrepancies identified. This information was used to describe potential anatomical pitfalls in reporting . Conclusion Whole-body MRI has excellent inter-observer agreement in reporting symptomatic myeloma at baseline. Inter-observer agreement varied between skeletal regions highlighting specific areas of difficulty.

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