Radiologic–pathologic correlation in acute appendicitis: can we use it as a quality measure to assess interpretive accuracy of radiologists?

Abstract

Radiologic–pathologic correlation was evaluated as a quality assurance tool by documenting error rates of 18 radiologists interpreting computed tomographic (CT) scans for acute appendicitis in 763 patients. The departmental error rate was 3.1%. Meaningful individual error rates could be determined in only the seven radiologists who interpreted ≥30 CT scans for acute appendicitis. Radiologic–pathologic correlation is an effective departmental monitor of interpretive accuracy, but individual accuracy can be assessed only for radiologists reading a large number of cases with pathologic proof.