Interobserver variability in single-plane aortography.

Arteriography is regarded as the objective method for evaluation of arterial disease and is commonly used as the reference for the assessment of the accuracy of noninvasive diagnostic methods. Because no data are available supporting its reliability, a study regarding the interobserver variability of single-plane arteriography was done. Twenty-one translumbar aortograms were read by 11 surgeons and radiologists, and the results were analyzed with a statistical method which takes into account agreement by chance. It was found that interobserver agreement concerning the profunda bifurcation was only marginally more than that provided by chance. Occlusions were well recognized by the 11 observers, but the interobserver agreement on the degree of arterial stenosis was poor.