• V Gutiérrez, M J Olivera, R M Girón, F Rodríguez-Salvanés, and P Caballero.
• Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.
• Arch. Bronconeumol. 2005 Oct 1;41(10):553-9.

ObjectiveMost chest radiography scoring systems for patients with cystic fibrosis have been developed for children but are also used for adults. Our aim was to evaluate the intra- and interobserver variability of 2 radiographic scoring systems in adults with cystic fibrosis and to assess the correlation of these systems with clinical and spirometric parameters.Patients And MethodsThe chest x-rays of 24 adult patients with cystic fibrosis were compared using 2 scoring systems (Brasfield and Chrispin-Norman). The x-rays were scored by 2 radiologists and reevaluated 4 months later by 1 of the 2 observers. Intra- and interobserver agreement was assessed using the intraclass and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The radiographic scores were compared to lung function tests and other clinical data.ResultsBoth intra- and interobserver agreement were high (r > or = 0.9 and the intraclass correlation coefficient > or = 0.85 with both systems for both samples). Both scoring systems correlated with spirometry results: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (r = 0.64 and r = 0.55), FEV1% (r = 0.75 and r = 0.72), and the percentage of forced vital capacity in relation to the predicted value (r = 0.63 and r = 0.056). We found no association between scoring system and sex, age, or body mass index.ConclusionsAssessment of chest radiographs of adult patients with cystic fibrosis by the Brasfield and Chrispin-Norman scoring systems shows good intra- and interobserver agreement. Both systems correlate well with lung function variables, especially FEV1.

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