Remote sonographic interpretation: Comparison of standardized video clips to still images

OBJECTIVE.: The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of standardized video clips compared with still images in the diagnostic accuracy of remote sonographic interpretation. METHODS.: We compared the remote interpretation of sonographic examinations acquired with a standardized video clip approach to examinations performed with still images alone in 60 patients with various hepatic and extrahepatic pathologies. RESULTS.: The use of video clips improved the diagnostic accuracy of sonographic studies interpreted remotely compared with the use of still images (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values increased from 47.3% to 68.3%, 81.8% to 87.8%, 71.5% to 81%, and 63.8% to 74.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS.: Standardized video clips are easy to obtain, less operator-dependent than still images, and can be transferred to remote sites without loss of important data. We recommend this method in remote interpretation (teleradiology and distant consultation) of sonographic examinations. ? 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:495-501, 2012.