Inter-Observer and Intra-Observer Variability In the Assessment of The Paranasal Sinuses Radiographs

Abstract

The aims of this study are to determine the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement between the two radiologists when reporting the Waters view and 3 views series of the paranasal sinus radiographs. To also determine whether a single Waters view is adequate for diagnostic purpose of sinusitis. 90 sets of paranasal sinuses radiographs were reported by two radiologists independently. The results revealed that the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement varied from almost perfect to good for maxillary and frontal sinuses, but poor for sphenoid and ethmoidal sinuses. Therefore, a single waters view is an acceptable strategy for diagnosing sinusitis for the maxillary and/or frontal sinuses but not for the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses.