Systematic review of adherence to the standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) 2015 reporting guideline in cerebral aneurysm imaging diagnostic accuracy studies

Abstract

BackgroundDiagnostic neuroimaging plays an essential role in guiding clinical decision-making in the management of patients with cerebral aneurysms. Imaging technologies for investigating cerebral aneurysms constantly evolve, and clinicians rely on the published literature to remain up to date. Reporting guidelines have been developed to standardise and strengthen the reporting of clinical evidence. Therefore, it is essential that radiological diagnostic accuracy studies adhere to such guidelines to ensure completeness of reporting. Incomplete reporting hampers the reader’s ability to detect bias, determine generalisability of study results or replicate investigation parameters, detracting from the credibility and reliability of studies. ObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate adherence to the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) 2015 reporting guideline amongst imaging diagnostic accuracy studies for cerebral aneurysms. MethodsA systematic search for cerebral aneurysm imaging diagnostic accuracy studies was conducted. Journals were cross examined against the STARD 2015 checklist and their compliance with item numbers was recorded. ResultsThe search yielded 66 articles. The mean number of STARD items reported was 24.2 ± 2.7 (71.2% ± 7.9%), with a range of 19 to 30 out of a maximum number of 34 items. ConclusionTaken together, these results indicate that adherence to the STARD 2015 guideline in cerebral aneurysm imaging diagnostic accuracy studies was moderate. Measures to improve compliance include mandating STARD 2015 adherence in instructions to authors issued by journals.