Essential Items for Structured Reporting of Rectal Cancer MRI: 2016 Consensus Recommendation from the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology

Abstract

High-resolution rectal MRI plays a crucial role in evaluating rectal cancer by providing multiple prognostic findings and imaging features that guide proper patient management. Quality reporting is critical for accurate effective communication of the information among multiple disciplines, for which a systematic structured approach is beneficial. Existing guides on reporting of rectal MRI are divergent on some issues, largely reflecting the differences in overall management of rectal cancer patients between the United States and Europe. The Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology (KSAR) study group for rectal cancer has developed an expert consensus recommendation regarding essential items for structured reporting of rectal cancer MRI using a modified Delphi method. This recommendation aims at presenting an up-to-date, evidence-based, practical, structured reporting template that can be readily adopted in daily clinical practice. In addition, a thorough explanation of the clinical and scientific rationale underlying the reporting items and their formats is provided. This KSAR recommendation may serve as a useful tool to help achieve more standardized optimal care for rectal cancer patients using rectal MRI.

State of the art in abdominal MRI structured reporting: a review

“…With specific regard to rectal cancer MRI staging, a systematic approach to standardize the reporting process was first described in 2008 [60] and shortly after the same working group proposed a SR template including all relevant key imaging findings [61]. Interestingly, in 2014 a synoptic MRI report was successfully developed, and pilot tested in Ontario (Canada), with a 37% adoption rate across the province and leading to a 39% improvement in MRI reports completeness [62]. More recently, the results of scientific societies consensus meetings focused on rectal cancer MRI staging have been released, defining essential items and SR templates for structured reporting [63,64].…”

Structured reporting of head and neck ultrasound examinations

“…In addition, both the examiner and the referring clinician often have a preference for SRs in these studies due to higher levels of accuracy and clarity [10–14]. This may result in a better understanding of the pathology and its therapeutic implications [15, 16]. A healthcare professional using a SR is less likely to omit important structures.…”

Structured Reporting versus Free-Text Reporting for Appendiceal Computed Tomography in Adolescents and Young Adults: Preference Survey of 594 Referring Physicians, Surgeons, and Radiologists from 20 Hospitals

“…A Likert scale-based structured reporting (SR) form may be an effective measure for successful standardization. The need for SR has long been recognized in the field of radiology (101112). However, recent surveys (1314) showed that the SR is rarely used in practice except for breast (15) or cardiac imaging (16).…”