Comparison of the Interpretations of Brain Computed Tomography of Emergency Medicine Specialists and Neurosurgeons

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to examine the similarity in the brain computed tomography (CT) reports of emergency medicine and neurosurgery specialists. Material and Methods: Patients who applied to the emergency department and underwent cranial CT in traumatic and non-traumatic conditions were analyzed retrospectively. The reports of emergency medicine and neurosurgeon specialists were reviewed. The radiologist's report was set as the gold standard. All CT examinations were performed independently of the radiologist by physicians with at least 5 years of experience. Results: Emergency medicine and neurosurgery specialists were found to be highly compatible in detecting pathologies in CT reports. There was significant similarity in the diagnosis of bone defects and maxillofacial trauma in the CT reporting of emergency medicine specialists and neurosurgeons. Conclusion: It was observed that emergency medicine specialists were as successful as neurosurgeons in the interpretation of brain CT pathologies of traumas. Since their knowledge and experience in non-traumatic pathologies are insufficient, they should receive support from radiology in residency training.