CT IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ABDOMINAL-WALL HERNIAS - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

The aim of the study was to estimate the value of CT in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias and at the same time to create a standard fo r this CT investigation. Twenty-four patients with suspected hernia of the abdominal wall were examined. All were operated on. The CT scans were assessed by two radiologists to estimate the interobserver variat ion. The CT diagnoses made by the two radiologists were correct in 83 % and 79 % of cases, respectively The sensitivity was 0.83 in both CT evaluations and the specificity was 0.83 and 0.67, respectively. The p redictive value of a positive CIT finding was 0.94 and 0.88, while the predictive value of a negative CT finding was 0.63 and 0.57, respecti vely. The interobserver variation (kappa) was 0.87. The study therefor e indicates that a positive CT finding of abdominal wall hernia is rel iable, while a negative finding does not exclude the diagnosis. The in terobserver variation of the CT diagnoses is acceptable. To achieve th e highest diagnostic accuracy, it is recommended to always use the Val salva manoeuvre, oral intake of contrast and 10/10 mm CT slices.