The EMG diagnosis - an interpretation based on partial information

There is a large difference between the prevalence of a given disease in th e general population and in the population seen in the EMG lab. It can be a rgued that both prevalences are the correct choice as prior probabilities f or the diseases. This paradox is resolved by recognizing that the EMG-diagn osis is only based on the information provided by the EMG-examination and t hus only represents a partial view of the patient. We propose a solution su mmarizing the set of findings, signs and symptoms, lab results etc., that l ed to the referral of the patient for an EMG-examination. This information is described by stochastic variables called FIDL-factors (Found In Doctor's Lab). The approach is tested on the EMG expert system MUNIN with 30 previo usly evaluated cases. The results show that this solution improves the spec ificity of the diagnosis, without affecting the sensitivity. (C) 1999 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.