Interrater reliability in the neuropathologic diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Neurology. 1992 Feb;42(2):329-32. doi: 10.1212/wnl.42.2.329.

Abstract

Three neuropathologists evaluated brain sections from 43 aged subjects for the presence of Alzheimer's disease. Moderate-to-substantial agreement was obtained. After discussion of disparate diagnoses, agreement was almost perfect for standardized and substantial for personal criteria. We conclude that reproducibility can be improved if diagnoses based on standardized criteria are discussed by at least two neuropathologists.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofibrillary Tangles / pathology
  • Observer Variation