Patient sampling preceded both imaging and the reference standard.
After initial scout imaging and reference acquisition, both the 2D b-SSFP (2D-cine) and the 3D b-SSFP k-t BLAST (3D-cine) sequences were acquired on the short axis plane covering the entire left ventricle.
After initial scout imaging and reference acquisition, short-axis cine images covering the entire left and right ventricles from base to apex were acquired during repeated end-expiratory breath holds using a 2D b-SSFP (2D-cine) sequence (Fig. 1).
In experimental studies, excellent correlations (r >0.90, p <0.001) between the measurements by full-volume or zoom-mode imaging and reference data were observed in all parameters.
We recorded the following information regarding interpretation of imaging and reference tests: the interval in days between index and reference tests, bowel segments that were examined, grading criteria used for imaging and reference tests, imaging features used for evaluation of disease activity, and whether grading was performed on a per-patient and/or per-bowel-segment basis.
Grading results for imaging and reference tests were extracted with the grading scales used in individual studies (i.e. three-, forr-, or five-grade scales).
Substantial variation in study design, patient characteristics, imaging features, and reference tests was observed.
Information was collected on patient populations, study enrolment, non-invasive imaging modalities, and reference standard.
On the other hand, 2 different aspects such as guidance systems (with ultrasound or stereotactic guidance vs without imaging guidance) and reference standard (histopathology only or not) affect the diagnostic accuracy in great part.
