Dataset Information

Analysis of errors made on in utero MR studies of the foetal brain in the MERIDIAN study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In utero magnetic resonance (iuMR) imaging to diagnose foetal brain abnormalities has been established and is supported by meta-analyses of retrospective and prospective studies. In this paper we describe and classify the iuMR errors made in the largest diagnostic accuracy study to date (MERIDIAN). We also correlate the error rates and types with the prior experience of the reporting radiologists in order to inform how to provide a national programme with the best diagnostic accuracy achievable.

Methods

The MERIDIAN cohort of 570 foetus formed the basis of this study and included 40 cases with a confirmed diagnostic error, compared with the Outcome Reference Diagnosis. Analysis included the potential clinical effect of the error and classification of error type through an Expert Neuroradiological Panel re-reporting the study. Assessments were made regarding radiologists experience prior to MERIDIAN.

Results

The overall confirmed error rate for iuMR was 7·0% and it was considered that there would have been an adverse effect on prognostic information in 22/40 cases if the iuMR had informed counselling. The experienced central reporter made statistically significant fewer errors than the less experienced non-central reporters (3·8% v 11·0%) and the central reporter made fewer clinically significant errors. Furthermore, the type of cognitive errors differed between central and non-central reporters.

Conclusions

Although iuMR imaging improves the diagnostic accuracy of detecting foetal brain abnormalities there remains a substantial error rate, which can have major clinical significance. We have shown that error rates are lower for more experienced reporting radiologists with fewer potential deleterious clinical implications. We discuss the implications of these findings in terms of providing a uniform national service.

Key points

• Overall confirmed error rate for iuMR diagnosing foetal brain abnormalities was 7·0%. • IuMR reports had an adverse effect on counselling in 55% of error cases. • Error rates are consistently lower for more experienced radiologists. • Collaboration between radiologists, dual reporting, overseeing scan and formal training can reduce errors.

SUBMITTER: Batty R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6291426 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Analysis of errors made on in utero MR studies of the foetal brain in the MERIDIAN study.

Batty Ruth R Gawne-Cain Mary L ML Mooney Cara C Mandefield Laura L Bradburn Michael M Mason Gerald G Griffiths Paul D PD

European radiology 20180615 1

<h4>Objectives</h4>In utero magnetic resonance (iuMR) imaging to diagnose foetal brain abnormalities has been established and is supported by meta-analyses of retrospective and prospective studies. In this paper we describe and classify the iuMR errors made in the largest diagnostic accuracy study to date (MERIDIAN). We also correlate the error rates and types with the prior experience of the reporting radiologists in order to inform how to provide a national programme with the best diagnostic a ...[more]

PMID: 29948083

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Project description:BackgroundIn utero MRI (iuMRI) detects fetal brain abnormalities more accurately than ultrasonography and provides additional clinical information in around half of pregnancies. We aimed to study whether postnatal neuroimaging after age 6 months changes the diagnostic accuracy of iuMRI and its ability to predict developmental outcome.MethodsFamilies enrolled in the MERIDIAN study whose child survived to age 3 years were invited to have a case note review and assessment of developmental outcome with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, or both. A paediatric neuroradiologist, masked to the iuMRI results, reviewed the postnatal neuroimaging if the clinical report differed from iuMRI findings. Diagnostic accuracy was recalculated. A paediatric neurologist and neonatologist categorised participants' development as normal, at risk, or abnormal, and the ability of iuMRI and ultrasonography to predict developmental outcome were assessed.Findings210 participants had case note review, of whom 81 (39%) had additional investigations after age 6 months. The diagnostic accuracy of iuMRI remained higher than ultrasonography (proportion of correct cases was 529 [92%] of 574 vs 387 [67%] of 574; absolute difference 25%, 95% CI 21 to 29; p<0·0001). Developmental outcome data were analysed in 156 participants, and 111 (71%) were categorised as normal or at risk. Of these 111 participants, prognosis was normal or favourable for 56 (51%) using ultrasonography and for 76 (69%) using iuMRI (difference in specificity 18%, 95% CI 7 to 29; p=0·0008). No statistically significant difference was seen in infants with abnormal outcome (difference in sensitivity 4%, 95% CI -10 to 19; p=0·73).InterpretationiuMRI remains the optimal tool to identify fetal brain abnormalities. It is less accurate when used to predict developmental outcome, although better than ultrasonography for identifying children with normal outcome. Further work is needed to determine how the prognostic abilities of iuMRI can be improved.FundingNational Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Dataset Information

Analysis of errors made on in utero MR studies of the foetal brain in the MERIDIAN study.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key points

Publications

Analysis of errors made on in utero MR studies of the foetal brain in the MERIDIAN study.

Similar Datasets

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