The Agreement Rate between Radiographic Interpretation and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Jaw Lesions

BACKGROUND: To determine the agreement rate between histopathologic diagnosis and radiographic interpretation of jaw lesions. METHODS: Cases with jaw pathologies that have diagnostically adequate histopathologic samples and radiographic examinations were reviewed retrospectively. Two board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologists (OMFP) independently determined the histopathologic diagnosis, while two board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologists (OMFR) determined the radiographic interpretations independently. Then the histopathologic diagnosis and the radiographic interpretation were compared for agreement. RESULTS: A total of 104 cases (53% females) were included with a mean age of 31 years. The agreement rate between histopathologic diagnosis and radiographic interpretation was 49%. OMFP required OMFR consultations to reach a diagnosis in 16% of cases. The most commonly encountered lesions were by far odontogenic cysts of inflammatory origin and the agreement for this disease category was 49.1%. However, agreement rates were highest for the disease category of tumors (62.5%). CONCLUSION: The agreement rate between OMFP and OMFR was higher for tumors than cysts. Agreement rates between OMFP and OMFR improved with efficient consultation between the two disciplines.