Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of Subcutaneous Echogenicity Grade and Subcutaneous Echo-Free Space Grade in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Background

Subcutaneous echogenicity grade (SEG) and subcutaneous echo-free space (SEFS) grade allow semiquantitation of nonspecific subcutaneous tissue inflammation and fluid accumulation in breast cancer-related lymphedema. However, inter- and intrarater reliability of SEG and SEFS is yet to be reported. The objective of this study is to assess inter-rater and intrarater reliability of SEG and SEFS in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Methods and

Results

Two physiatrists performed SEG and SEFS grade to determine inter-rater and intrarater reliability. Inter-rater reliability for SEG and SEFS was excellent (Kappa [K] = 0.836, weighted Kappa [Kw] = 0.85; K = 0.884, Kw = 0.92). K and Kw values of SEG and SEFS grading systems indicated excellent intrarater reliability (K = 0.81, Kw = 0.83; K = 0.798, Kw = 0.82). This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, under number NCT03559296.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, SEG and SEFS demonstrated acceptable reliability. SEG and SEFS appear to be reliable and useful grading systems for the assessment of breast cancer-related lymphedema.