Choroidal neovascular membranes: reproducibility of angiographic interpretation

Am J Ophthalmol. 2000 Dec;130(6):839-41. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(00)00605-x.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine interobserver agreement for classifying choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: Six fluorescein angiograms of choroidal neovascular membranes were interpreted by 21 retina specialists. Reliability was measured by percent agreement and kappa coefficient.

Results: Interobserver agreement of membrane types ranged from perfect concordance for a small, classic membrane to near-random classification for a complex pattern. Mean kappa coefficient was.64. Interobserver agreement of membrane size was most variable for intermediate size lesions (mean kappa coefficient =.40).

Conclusion: Fluorescein angiographic interpretation of choroidal neovascular membrane type and size can vary considerably. Interobserver agreement is better for membrane type than for membrane size.

MeSH terms

  • Choroidal Neovascularization / classification
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / diagnosis*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Fluorescein Angiography*
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / complications
  • Observer Variation
  • Reproducibility of Results