title: Variability of automated carotid intima-media thickness measurements by novice operators.
abstract: Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) measurements provide a non-invasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the inter- and intra-observer variability of automated C-IMT measurements undertaken by two novice operators using the Panasonic CardioHealth Station. Participants were free from cardio-metabolic disease, and each underwent serial bilateral C-IMT ultrasound measurements. Immediate interoperator measurement variability was calculated by comparing initial measurements taken by two operators. Immediate retest variability was calculated from two consecutive measurements and longer term variability was assessed by conducting a further scan 1 week later. Fifty apparently healthy participants (n = 20 females), aged 26·2 ± 5·0 years, were recruited. Operator 1 recorded a median (interquartile range) right and left-sided C-IMT of 0·471 mm (0·072 mm) and 0·462 mm (0·047 mm). Female's right and left C-IMT were 0·442 mm (0·049 mm) and 0·451 mm (0·063 mm), respectively. The limits of agreement (LoA) for immediate interoperator variability were -0·063 to 0·056 mm (mean bias -0·003 mm). Operator 1's immediate retest intra-operator LoA were -0·057 to 0·046 mm (mean bias was -0·005 mm). One-week LoA were -0·057 to 0·050 mm (mean bias -0·003 mm). Operator 2 recorded median right and left-sided C-IMT of 0·467 mm (0·089 mm) and 0·458 mm (0·046 mm) for males, respectively, whilst female measurements were 0·441 mm (0·052 mm) and 0·444 mm (0·054 mm), respectively. Operator 2's intra-operator immediate retest LoA were -0·056 to 0·056 (mean bias <-0·001 mm). Intra-operator LoA at 1 week were -0·052 to 0·068 mm (mean bias 0·008 mm). Novice operators produce acceptable short-term and 1-week inter- and intra-operator C-IMT measurement variability in healthy, young to middle-aged adults using the Panasonic CardioHealth Station.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Milner
authors.affiliation: Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meijer
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Hull, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ingle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D000069550:Machine Learning; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: C-IMT; carotid intima-media thickness; reliability; reproducibility; ultrasound