MRI evaluation of neurofibromatosis 2 patients: a standardized approach for accuracy in interpretation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the level of agreement between local radiologists' and an experienced neuroradiologist's measurements of vestibular schwannomas.


METHODS
Prospective study with uniform magnetic resonance acquisition protocol parameters and reporting instructions across 30 magnetic resonance imaging facilities worldwide.


METHODS
Multicenter natural history study of neurofibromatosis Type 2.


METHODS
One hundred fifteen magnetic resonance imaging examinations of 57 neurofibromatosis Type 2 patients older than 5 years of age.


METHODS
Thin-slice, postcontrast cranial magnetic resonance imaging.


METHODS
Spearman's rho interobserver association coefficient of vestibular schwannoma linear measurements.


RESULTS
The local and experienced radiologist measurements and identification of tumors agreement was fair (kappa = 0.77). Discordant interpretations were adjudicated by another experienced neuroradiologist.


CONCLUSIONS
The least interobserver variability was found in measurements of thin-slice postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained at neurofibromatosis Type 2 centers in patients without previous operations and moderately sized tumors. If the schwannoma was difficult to assess, because of magnetic resonance imaging acquisition protocol, postoperative changes, or tumors smaller than 5 mm in greatest diameter, the neuroradiologist provided a more thorough assessment. The authors suggest uniform reporting criteria for vestibular schwannoma assessments to ensure clinically relevant information is communicated regarding vestibular schwannoma size.
Slattery
William H
WH
House Ear Clinic and House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA. wslattery@hei.org
Lev
Michael H
MH
Fisher
Laurel M
LM
Connell
Sarah S
SS
Iqbal
Zarina
Z
Go
John L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D016518:Neurofibromatosis 2 / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results