Computed Tomography Assessment of Anterior Ethmoidal Canal Dehiscence: An Interobserver Agreement Study and Review of the Literature

Overview

Journal Neuroradiol J

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialties Neurology
Radiology

Date 2020 Mar 3

PMID 32114882

Citations 3

Authors

Angela Guarnizo

Thanh B Nguyen

Rafael Glikstein

Nader Zakhari

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: The anterior ethmoidal artery can be injured in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The ability of computed tomography (CT) to identify dehiscence of the anterior ethmoidal canal (AEC) has not been widely evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver agreement in the CT assessment of AEC dehiscence.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive CT scans of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012. Two neuroradiologists separately assessed the presence of AEC dehiscence, the presence of PNS opacification, and the best CT plane to evaluate the AEC. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and interobserver agreement (kappa coefficient).

Results: The AEC was below the skull base in 199 (22.3%) cases. Dehiscence of the AEC was found in 13.2% for reader 1 and in 7.3% for reader 2. The interobserver agreement for identification of AEC dehiscence was only fair (κ = 0.246). The interobserver agreement for the AEC dehiscence in cases with opacification of ethmoidal air cells was substantial (κ = 0.754).

Conclusion: The suboptimal interobserver agreement could potentially limit the usefulness of CT scans for routine assessment of AEC dehiscence. In patients with PNS opacification, CT scans could still add valuable information regarding AEC dehiscence.

Citing Articles

Inter Observer Agreement Among Radiologist and Otorhinolaryngologists on Paranasal Sinus Computed Tomography Scans in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Thakur P, Sharma M, Kotwal S, Gupta V Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022; 74(4):501-509.

PMID: 36514437 PMC: 9741671. DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-03016-7.

Computed tomography assessment of anterior ethmoidal canal dehiscence: methodological issue on interobserver agreement.

Naderi M, Sabour S Neuroradiol J. 2020; 33(4):348-349.

PMID: 32628065 PMC: 7416355. DOI: 10.1177/1971400920937417.

Reply: "Computed tomography assessment of anterior ethmoidal canal dehiscence: Methodological issue on interobserver agreement".

Guarnizo A, Nguyen T, Glikstein R, Zakhari N Neuroradiol J. 2020; 33(4):350-351.

PMID: 32614259 PMC: 7416351. DOI: 10.1177/1971400920937403.

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