Abdullah O Alenazi1, Khaled M Elsayes2, Robert M Marks3, Joseph H Yacoub4, Elizabeth M Hecht5, Victoria Chernyak6, Satheesh Krishna1, Venkatesh Surabhi7, James T Lee8, Ryan Ash9, Irene Cruite10, Ania Z Kielar11,12. 1. Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2. Department of Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. 3. Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. 4. Department of Radiology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA. 5. Department of Radiology, New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. 6. Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA. 7. Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA. 8. Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. 9. Department of Radiology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA. 10. Inland Imaging, Spokane, WA, USA. 11. Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. aniakielar@gmail.com. 12. Joint Department of Medical Imaging (JDMI), University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. aniakielar@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine preferences of clinicians and surgeons regarding radiology reporting of liver observations in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Members of the American College of Radiology Liver Imaging and Data Reporting System (LI-RADS) Outreach & Education Group (30 members) as well as Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease-Focused Panel on HCC diagnosis (27 members) created and distributed an 18-question survey to clinicians and surgeons, with focus on preferences regarding radiology reporting of liver observations in patients. The survey questions were directed to physician demographics, current use of LI-RADS by their local radiologists, their opinions about current LI-RADS and potential improvements. RESULTS: A total of 152 physicians responded, 66.4% (101/152) from North America, including 42 surgeons, 81 physicians and 29 interventional radiologists. Participants were predominantly from academic centers 83% (126/152), while 13.8% (21/152) worked in private/community centers and 3.2% (5/152) worked in a hybrid practice. Almost 90% (136/152) of participants preferred the use of LI-RADS (compared to nothing or other standardized reporting systems; OPTN and AASLD) to communicate liver-related observations. However, only 28.5% (43/152) of participants input was sought at the time of implementing LI-RADS in their institutions. Fifty-eight percent (88/152) of all participants found standardized LI-RADS management recommendations in radiology reports to be clinically helpful. However, a subgroup analysis of surgeons in academic centers showed that 61.8% (21/34) prefer not to receive standardized LI-RADS recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants preferred the use LI-RADS in reporting CT and MRI examination. When considering inclusion of management recommendations, radiologists should consult with their referring physicians, as preference may differ.
PURPOSE: To determine preferences of clinicians and surgeons regarding radiology reporting of liver observations in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Members of the American College of Radiology Liver Imaging and Data Reporting System (LI-RADS) Outreach & Education Group (30 members) as well as Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease-Focused Panel on HCC diagnosis (27 members) created and distributed an 18-question survey to clinicians and surgeons, with focus on preferences regarding radiology reporting of liver observations in patients. The survey questions were directed to physician demographics, current use of LI-RADS by their local radiologists, their opinions about current LI-RADS and potential improvements. RESULTS: A total of 152 physicians responded, 66.4% (101/152) from North America, including 42 surgeons, 81 physicians and 29 interventional radiologists. Participants were predominantly from academic centers 83% (126/152), while 13.8% (21/152) worked in private/community centers and 3.2% (5/152) worked in a hybrid practice. Almost 90% (136/152) of participants preferred the use of LI-RADS (compared to nothing or other standardized reporting systems; OPTN and AASLD) to communicate liver-related observations. However, only 28.5% (43/152) of participants input was sought at the time of implementing LI-RADS in their institutions. Fifty-eight percent (88/152) of all participants found standardized LI-RADS management recommendations in radiology reports to be clinically helpful. However, a subgroup analysis of surgeons in academic centers showed that 61.8% (21/34) prefer not to receive standardized LI-RADS recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants preferred the use LI-RADS in reporting CT and MRI examination. When considering inclusion of management recommendations, radiologists should consult with their referring physicians, as preference may differ.