Effects of Inter‐ and Intra‐Observer Variability on Echocardiographic Measurements in Awake Cats

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2003.00546.x
• Publication Date: 2003-07-28T15:43:08Z
• Authors: V. Chetboul; D. Concordet; J. L. Pouchelon; N. Athanassiadis; C. Muller; L. Benigni; A. C. Munari; H. P. Lefebvre
• Keywords: Fractional shortening; Observer (physics)

Summary The objective of this study was to determine intra‐ and inter‐observer variability echocardiographic measurements in awake cats. Four observers with different levels experience echocardiography performed 96 examinations four cats on days over a 3‐week period. were randomized blinded. maximum within‐day between‐day CV values 17.4 18.5% for inter‐ventricular septal thickness diastole, 18.7 22.6% left ventricular free‐wall 9.8 14.9% end‐diastolic diameter, 20.8 15.2% end‐systolic 21.2 18.4% shortening fraction. most often associated the least competent observer (i.e. graduate student) and, minimum associate professor cardiology). A significant interaction between cat also evidenced. Thus, could not be replaced by any other observers.