Detection of recurrent pancreatic cancer: Value of second-opinion interpretations of cross-sectional images by subspecialized radiologists Journal Article


Authors: Huicochea Castellanos, S.; Corrias, G.; Ulaner, G. A.; Dunphy, M.; Junting, Z.; Capanu, M.; Balachandran, V.; Giancipoli, R. G.; Monti, S.; Mannelli, L.
Article Title: Detection of recurrent pancreatic cancer: Value of second-opinion interpretations of cross-sectional images by subspecialized radiologists
Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the value of second-opinion interpretation of cross-sectional images by subspecialized radiologists to diagnose recurrent pancreatic cancer after surgery. Methods: The IRB approved and issued a waiver of informed consent for this retrospective study. Initial and second-opinion interpretations of 69 consecutive submitted MRI or CT follow-up after pancreatic cancer resection between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013 were evaluated by one oncologic imaging radiologist, who was blinded to patient’s clinical details and histopathologic data. The reviewer was asked to classify each interpretation in reference of the diagnosis of PDAC recurrence. It was also recorded if the radiologic interpretation recommended additional imaging studies to confirm recurrence. The diagnosis of recurrence was determined by pathology when available, otherwise by imaging follow-up, clinical, or laboratory assessments. Cohen’s kappa statistic was used to assess agreement between initial and second-opinion interpretations. The differences between the initial and second-opinion interpretations were examined using McNemar test or Bowker’s test of symmetry. Results: Disagreement on recurrence between the initial report and the second-opinion interpretation was observed in 32% of cases (22/69; k = 0.44). Second-opinion interpretations had a higher sensitivity and a higher specificity on recurrence compared to the initial interpretations (0.93 vs. 0.75 and 0.90 vs. 0.68, respectively), and the difference in specificity was significant (p = 0.016). Additional imaging studies were recommended more frequently in the initial interpretation (22% vs. 6%, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Our study shows the second-opinion interpretation by subspecialized radiologists improves the detection of pancreatic cancer recurrence after surgical resection. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Keywords: recurrence; ct; mri; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; second-opinion report
Journal Title: Abdominal Radiology
Volume: 44
Issue: 2
ISSN: 2366-004X
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2019-02-01
Start Page: 586
End Page: 592
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-018-1765-z
PUBMED: 30251132
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC6399065
DOI/URL:
Notes: Junting Zheng's first and last names are reversed on the original publication -- Source: Scopus
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