Identification of key elements in MRI reporting of intracranial meningiomas based on a nationwide survey of clinical experts in Germany.

in Scientific reports by Torge Huckhagel, Tammam Abboud, Jan Regelsberger, Stefan Rieken, Christian Riedel

TLDR

  • A nationwide expert survey in Germany established radiologic reporting guidance for MRI examinations of intracranial meningioma patients, prioritizing essential information for core medical disciplines and clinical communication needs.

Abstract

While MRI has become the imaging modality of choice for intracranial meningiomas, no radiologic reporting guidance exists to date that relies on a systematic collection of information relevant to the core medical disciplines involved in the management of these patients. To address this issue, a nationwide expert survey was conducted in Germany. A literature-based catalog of potential reporting elements for MRI examinations of meningioma patients was developed interdisciplinarily. Subsequently, all board-certified members of the German Societies of Neuroradiology, Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology with expertise in managing meningioma patients were invited to vote on the relevance of the suggested items via online survey. A total of 150 experts participated in the study (104 neurosurgeons/radiation oncologists, 46 neuroradiologists). The reporting elements of tumor location, extent, growth pattern, contrast uptake, associated cysts, and impact on adjacent anatomic structures received widespread approval (> 75.0% of all participants). In addition, a vast majority (> 75.0%) supported reference to perifocal edema, signs of mass effect, and hydrocephalus. Postoperative imaging is particularly requested to describe the extent of resection (94.0%) and treatment-related changes (89.3%). Advanced methods (diffusion, perfusion, proton spectroscopy) and meningioma-specific classifications (Nauta, Zee, Sindou) were judged to be less relevant (< 50.0% agreement) to MRI reporting. To serve as a vital clinical communication tool and enable an optimal contribution to the care of meningioma patients, the radiological report should focus on the fundamental information requirements of the neuro-oncology treatment team encompassing primarily tumor location, extent, tissue imaging characteristics, and potential impairment of neighboring anatomical structures.

Overview

  • This study aimed to develop a nationwide expert survey in Germany to establish radiologic reporting guidance for MRI examinations of intracranial meningioma patients.
  • The study consisted of a literature-based catalog of potential reporting elements and an online survey of 150 board-certified experts from neuroscience, neurosurgery, and radiation oncology.
  • The primary objective was to identify the essential information required for radiological reporting in the management of meningioma patients, with a focus on core medical disciplines and clinical communication needs.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • The survey results indicated widespread agreement (>75%) on the importance of reporting tumor location, extent, growth pattern, contrast uptake, associated cysts, and impact on adjacent anatomic structures.
  • Most experts supported reference to perifocal edema, signs of mass effect, and hydrocephalus, as well as postoperative imaging to describe resection extent and treatment-related changes.
  • Advanced methods (diffusion, perfusion, proton spectroscopy) and meningioma-specific classifications (Nauta, Zee, Sindou) were considered less relevant (<50% agreement) to MRI reporting.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The study underscores the need for standardized radiological reporting in meningioma patients to facilitate optimal care and communication among healthcare professionals.
  • The findings suggest that radiological reports should focus on fundamental information requirements, such as tumor location, extent, tissue imaging characteristics, and potential impairment of neighboring anatomical structures.
  • Future studies can build upon these findings to explore the clinical utility of advanced imaging methods and meningioma-specific classifications, and to develop tailored reporting guidelines for specific patient populations.
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