title: A methodologic assessment of studies comparing magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the brain.
abstract: To evaluate the methods used in studies comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) of the brain, we reviewed English language articles published between 1981 and early 1986. Of 83 studies comparing the accuracy of MRI and CT in 10 or more patients, few met methodologic standards for evaluations of the efficacy of new diagnostic tests. Limitations were found in how study populations were assembled, in test performance and interpretation, and in analysis of study findings. Greater attention to design and execution of comparison studies could overcome these limitations and help demonstrate MRI's true diagnostic value.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Panzer
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Kido
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hindmarsh
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed