• Yoel Levinsky, Francis B Mimouni, Drora Fisher, and Matityahu Ehrlichman.
• Pediatric Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
• Acta Paediatr. 2013 Jul 1;102(7):e310-4.

AimTo determine radiological and clinical chest radiographs (CRs) interpretation agreement in children with acute respiratory disease (ARD) versus clinical experience in multiple observers.MethodsChest radiographs obtained in 70 consecutive children at the emergency department in 2010-2011 for ARD were reviewed. They were interpreted by 1-10 paediatric residents, three board-certified paediatricians (BCPs), three paediatric pulmonologists and one paediatric radiologist. Chest radiographs were analysed for presence of 10 radiological features and five diagnoses. A short clinical and laboratory context was given. Each child was given a clinical decision. Statistical analysis was by Fleiss' kappa for multiple observers.ResultsKappas by selected major diagnostic features and by observer experience were expressed relative to diagnosis by paediatric radiologist. Best agreements were for pleural effusion and pneumonia and worst for normal X-ray, hyperinflation and atelectasis. Years of experience were influential. Antibiotics for pneumonia diagnosed by radiologist would not have been prescribed in 23% of cases by residents, 25% by BCPs and 15% by pulmonologists.ConclusionIn ARD in children, there is little interobserver agreement, especially among residents, which may impact on major clinical decision. There is a need to systematically train physicians in CRs reading.©2013 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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