Reproducibility of semi-automatic coronary plaque quantification in coronary CT angiography with sub-mSv radiation dose; common mistakes

Abstract

Reliability (repeatability or reproducibility) is being assessed by different statistical tests including Pearson r or Spearman rho which is one of the common mistakes in reliability analysis. Briefly, for quantitative variable Intra Class Correlation Coefficient (ICCC) single measure should be used. Reporting inter- and intra-observer mean percentage differences is another mistake in reliability analysis because individual approach should be considered instead of global average. As a take home message, for reliability analysis, appropriate tests should be applied by researchers. Otherwise, misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the patients cannot be avoided.

Keywords: Coronary CT angiography; Coronary plaque imaging; Mistake; Reliability.