The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Sialography in the Diagnosis of Various Salivary Gland Disorders: An Interobserver Agreement

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the interobserver agreement on the diagnostic ability and quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together with magnetic resonance (MR) sialography in the assessment of various salivary gland disorders. Materials and MethodsSix patients (four men and two women, age range = 24–45 years old) with salivary gland disorders were included, and seven glands were examined. All patients underwent MRI (T1 and T2 sequences) and MR sialography (single-section single-shot turbo spin-echo sequence) using a surface coil. A scoring system was performed by three observers on 12 criteria for MRI and MR sialographic image interpretation. Interobserver agreement was performed using the Cohen kappa test, and the κ values were computed. ResultsThe overall κ values of the interobserver agreement between the three observers revealed an almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.97) on two-level decisions and a substantial agreement (κ = 0.77, κ = 0.74, and κ = 0.77) on four-level, image quality, and total decisions, respectively. ConclusionsThe overall almost perfect to substantial interobserver agreement through the diagnostic criteria used denoted the effectiveness of MRI and MR sialography using single-section single-shot turbo spin-echo sequence with a relatively low acquisition time and a surface coil in the diagnosis of various salivary gland disorders; however, efforts should be made in improving the radiologist training to reduce variability in interpretation that will increase the effectiveness of these imaging modalities.