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Annals of the rheumatic diseases
This study aims to establish expert consensus recommendations for clinical information on imaging requests in suspected/known axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), focusing on enhancing diagnostic clarity and patient care through guidelines.
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A specialised task force was formed, comprising 7 radiologists, 11 rheumatologists from the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) and a patient representative. Using the Delphi method, two rounds of surveys were conducted among ASAS members. These surveys aimed to identify critical elements for imaging referrals and to refine these elements for practical application. The task force deliberated on the survey outcomes and proposed a set of recommendations, which were then presented to the ASAS community for a decisive vote.
The collaborative effort resulted in a set of six detailed recommendations for clinicians involved in requesting imaging for patients with suspected or known axSpA. These recommendations cover crucial areas, including clinical features indicative of axSpA, clinical features, mechanical factors, past imaging data, potential contraindications for specific imaging modalities or contrast media and detailed reasons for the examination, including differential diagnoses. Garnering support from 73% of voting ASAS members, these recommendations represent a consensus on optimising imaging request protocols in axSpA.
The ASAS recommendations offer comprehensive guidance for rheumatologists in requesting imaging for axSpA, aiming to standardise requesting practices. By improving the precision and relevance of imaging requests, these guidelines should enhance the clinical impact of radiology reports, facilitate accurate diagnosis and consequently improve the management of patients with axSpA.
Published by Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 2024. The PDF is shown as published and remains the work of its authors and publisher; the original is at the source linked here. Rights holders can ask us to remove a file at info@prognia.nl.
Prognia summarises this guideline for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always check the official guideline and current local protocols before acting on it.
