Interreader Agreement for Individual Ancillary Features in LI-RADS CT/MRI Version 2018: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND. In LI-RADS CT/MRI version 2018 (v2018), ancillary features (AFs) support observation characterization and category assignment. The literature is lacking regarding interreader agreement on a broad range of AFs. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the interreader agreement for all individual AFs in LI-RADS CT/MRI v2018 and to identify factors associated with interpretation variability. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for original research studies published from January 1, 2018, to September 15, 2025, that reported interreader agreement for individual AFs in LI-RADS CT/MRI v2018. Pooled kappa values for the 21 individual AFs were determined using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with Knapp-Hartung adjustment. Study characteristics independently associated with agreement were identified by metaregression analyses. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS. The final analysis included 47 studies comprising a total of 11,891 patients and 13,695 hepatic observations. Three AFs (ultrasound visibility as discrete nodule, size stability for ≥ 2 years, and size reduction) were not reported in any studies. The pooled kappa value among AFs favoring malignancy but not HCC in particular was 0.58 for subthreshold growth, 0.63 for corona enhancement, 0.69 for fat sparing in solid mass, 0.70 for transitional phase hypointensity, 0.72 for iron sparing in solid mass, 0.75 for restricted…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 11,891 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Learning from First-Generation Qualitative Approaches in the IS Discipline: An Evolutionary View and Some Implications for Authors and Evaluators (PART 1/2)
- Commentary on the clinical and preclinical dosage limits of interstitially administered magnetic fluids for therapeutic hyperthermia based on current practice and efficacy models
- Prosthesis: New Technological Opportunities and Innovative Biomedical Devices
- The history and future of neural modeling for cochlear implants
- Ryanodine receptors: waking up from refractoriness
- Novel Transgenic Rabbit Model Sheds Light on the Puzzling Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 in Atherosclerosis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.