Radiology Reports- Recommended Protocl

[Audrey_M]

How many times have we been frustrated with radiologist's reports? I have an MRI scheduled for Monday and do not want another that leaves me and my PCP scratching our heads trying to understand it.

I found this on the web (http://www.ajnr.org/content/27/2/455.full) from the American Journal of Neuroradiology regarding protocol for MRIs of the brain with suspected MS. I'll paste the section pertaining to the report below. I have asked my PCP to request that the radiologist include certain things in his/her report, according to the guidelines. Hopefully it will work (I'll let you know ; )

"VIII. The Radiology Report (source- American Journal of Neuroradiology

The radiology report should use everyday language and be consistent. The report should include (1) a description of the findings, (2) a comparison with previous MR imaging scans, and (3) interpretation and differential diagnosis.
Although no specific recommendations were generated, following from the discussion above, and based on the new IP criteria, a simple lesion characterization and terminology was discussed as likely to be helpful in patient care.

As discussed above, the report would include a count of the number of enhancing lesions when feasible, T2-hyperintense lesions, and consideration of T1-hypointense lesions and atrophy (eg, a scale of mild-moderate-severe). When feasible (in the earlier stages of MS before lesions become confluent), a count of the new T2-hyperintense lesions provides a metric of change over time.

A statement could be provided regarding T2-lesion volume: mild (few lesions); moderate (multiple lesions, early or near confluent); and severe (many, confluent lesions).

In view of the IP criteria, terminology for describing T2 lesions at diagnosis would include periventricular (touching ventricle surfaces), total T2 (all locations), juxtacortical-cortical (touching cortical gray matter), and infratentorial (cerebellum, medulla-pons-midbrain).

A quantitative measure of total lesion volume and brain and spinal cord atrophy was considered (optimistically) optional, with very few facilities capable at this time of providing these measures for clinical evaluation.
For future consideration, a reporting table, optional for use, would be developed. In most hospital and clinic environments, particularly as electronic data management and PACS are implemented, a reporting table may provide an opportunity to summarize data in individual patients over time, but this will require individual (center) efforts. "
  

How many of you have received a report that fulfills these guidelines????

[rendean]

I have had only one report include all of the above information including count and size of all lesions present, atrophy prescence or not, and exact location of all lesions, etc.

Unfortunately  this was done at a different facility than my doctor uses. It was after a fall from vertigo (JJ).

Ren

[Lulu54]

in addition  - here is the link to what the protocol should be for MRI's...

http://mscare.org/cmsc/images/pdf/mriprotocol2009.pdf

and it includes the items recommended to be included on the report

"Radiology Report:
Use standardized terminology
Description of findings:
• Lesion number, location, size, shape, character
• Whether MRI dissemination in space (DIS) criteria are met (avoid statements like
“McDonald diagnostic criteria met”).
• Whether MRI dissemination in time (DIT) criteria are met.  
• Qualitative assessment of brain atrophy,overall T2 and T1 hypointense lesion burden
severity.
• Comparison with previous studies for new lesion activity and atrophy.
Interpretation (typical, atypical, or not MS) and differential diagnosis if appropriate."

Remember, these are all just recommendations and the reports we get vary widely, I think mainly according to local customs.  

[maxthecat43]

I can't understand it at all.  Was this report, or do I need another cup of coffee?