Highlights
- •The concordance between CNFS grading based on axial and oblique sagittal images was strong for all three observers (W = 0.80, 0.79, and 0.82).
- •In case of discordance, oblique sagittal image-based grading tended to result in higher grading than axial-based grading with all three observers.
- •Both axial and oblique sagittal images supported strong interobserver agreement.
- •However, oblique sagittal images provided slightly higher reliability (W = 0.79) than axial images (W = 0.73).
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the concordance between magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) grading for cervical neural foraminal stenosis (CNFS) based on axial and oblique
sagittal images and evaluate the reliability of each grading plane. CNFS was graded
at C2–3 to C7–T1 levels based on axial and oblique sagittal images separately by three
radiologists. The concordance between CNFS grading based on axial and oblique sagittal
images was strong for all three observers (Kendall's W = 0.80, 0.79, and 0.82), despite the tendency of higher grading with oblique sagittal
images. Both imaging planes supported strong interobserver reliability.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 16, 2017
Accepted:
March 10,
2017
Received in revised form:
January 27,
2017
Received:
October 21,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
