Diagnostic discrepancies and their clinical impact in a neuropathology referral practice

Abstract

Clinically important diagnostic errors that can affect immediate patient care decisions occur in a substantial number of brain and spinal cord biopsy cases. Thus, seeking expert neuropathology consultation is prudent and cost-effective for pathologists who are less experienced with these types of cases. Cost savings in case management might result from confirmation of diagnosis before definitive therapy is administered to the patients. The rates of discrepancy between original diagnoses and second opinions in other subspecialties of pathology should be examined.