Interobserver reproducibility in reporting on 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy for detection of late renal sequelae.

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the interobserver variability in reporting on 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scanning performed 6 mo after an acute episode of pyelonephritis for the detection of late renal sequelae. Forty-six children were selected, who had early and late DMSA studies for evaluation of acute pyelonephritic lesions as well as sequelae. Three observers reported independently and separately on the early and late DMSA scans and, in a second step, on the late scan in the presence of the early scan. Interobserver reproducibility was evaluated for the early DMSA scan, the late DMSA scan alone, and the late DMSA scan with the early scan for comparison. Complete agreement between the three observers was reached in 75%, 78%, and 77% for the early DMSA scan, the late DMSA scan alone, and the late DMSA scan with the early scan for comparison, respectively. Interobserver reproducibility was high and was comparable for both early and late DMSA scintigraphy.