Dear readers,
The most rigorous and precise execution of coronary CT angiography (CTA) serves little purpose if the results are not effectively communicated among the specialists involved in clinical decision-making. Conveying the diagnostic findings of CTA to the medical team lies with the radiologist’s report, which, like the imaging process itself, must be precise, based on standardized and universally understood terminology, and free from subjective interpretation.
Unstructured, free-form CTA reports are no longer acceptable. Since 2016, progressive refinements have led to the adoption of a validated reporting system known as CAD-RADS™. This structured framework enhances clarity and consistency, benefiting radiologists, referring clinicians, and, ultimately, patient care.
Professor Loewe’s review highlights the key elements of the CAD-RADS™ classification system, which ensures the standardized presentation of clinically relevant coronary pathology findings. To complement his analysis, we present a chapter from a volume that reinforces these principles, by detailing the essential components of a structured cardiac CT report and providing recommendations for its optimal composition.
To put these concepts into practice, a targeted clinical case is included to let you test your understanding and application of the essential criteria for structured reporting.
As usual, suggestions for topics to be covered in future issues of this newsletter are welcome: please send your proposals to us at editorial@mdct.net.
From the MDCT.net team
