Because second-opinion consultations for scans performed outside Sloan Kettering are on the rise, the researchers wanted to assess the effect of having neuroradiologists with a high level of neuro-oncologic imaging experience reinterpret these studies, said presenter Dr. Vaios Hatzoglou.
In 21% of the 285 cases included in the study, there was a clinically important discrepancy between the outside reports and the second-opinion consultation.
"The key takeaway point thus far is that second-opinion interpretations by neuroradiologists with focused experience in neuro-oncologic imaging benefit patient care," he told AuntMinnie.com.
The next phase of the research is already in progress; it will involve clinicians reviewing the reports that had differences in detection or interpretation of findings and noting how management would be altered.
