Results of an expert Delphi consensus from the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) and the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) on standardized requesting and reporting magnetic resonance imaging in patients with suspected or known axial spondyloarthritis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To develop a practical consensus for standardizing communication between rheumatologists and radiologists regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints and spine in the diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHODS: A task force comprising six rheumatologists and five musculoskeletal radiologists with expertise in axSpA imaging reviewed the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) framework to draft initial recommendations and define project goals. A broader expert panel (21 rheumatologists, 19 radiologists) then participated in a voting process to refine and validate these recommendations. Final endorsement was sought from the steering committees of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) and the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) using a modified Delphi method. RESULTS: Thirty-one recommendations were validated, organized into eight domains. Domain 1 outlines five overarching principles. Domain 2 comprises recommendations on clinical features, symptoms, and risk factors. Additional domains address MRI technical parameters, including image quality and sequencing (Domain 3), and standardized reporting criteria. For the sacroiliac joints (Domains 4 and 5), five signs of inflammation and six of structural damage are defined. For the spine (Domains 6 and 7), five inflammatory and four structural features are specified. Domain 8 provides guidance on report conclusions. The recommendations were endorsed by SIRM/SIR with 88.5% approval. CONCLUSION: This consensus offers structured guidance for MRI requesting and reporting in axSpA, fostering clear communication between radiologists and rheumatologists. The standardized approach aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
Source: La radiologia medica
Authors: Fausto Salaffi, Marina Carotti, Fabio Martino, Emilio Filippucci, Sonia Farah, Roberta Ramonda, Andrea Doria, Roberto Caporali, Marcello Govoni, Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini, Alberto Batticiotto, Luca Ceccarelli, Maurizio Rossini, Enrico Scarano, Luca Maria Sconfienza, Stefania Vio, Carlo Masciocchi, Alessandro Muda, Ernesto La Paglia, Massimo De Filippo, Marcello Zappia, Mauro Battista Gallazzi, Salvatore D’Angelo, Francesca Oliviero, Marco Di Carlo, Cristiana Barreca, Marco Canzoni, Enzo Silvestri, Alberto Aliprandi, Antonio Barile, Alessandra Splendiani, Andrea Giovagnoni, Antonio Leone, Nicoletta Gandolfo
Institutions: Marche Polytechnic University, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, University of Padua, Azienda Ospedale - Università Padova, University of Ferrara, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Aziende Socio Sanitarie Territoriale dei Sette Laghi, IRCCS Azienda Ospedliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Verona, Ospedale San Carlo, University of L'Aquila, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, University of Parma, University of Molise, Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini, University of Basilicata, Ospedale Santa Maria alle Scotte, ASL Roma, University of Milano-Bicocca, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Ospedale Villa Scassi
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
OpenAlex ID: W4414650132