ASAS Issues Consensus Recommendations for Imaging in axSpA

A specialized task force comprising 7 radiologists, 11 rheumatologists from the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS), and a patient representative has issued comprehensive guidance for rheumatologists when requesting imaging for patients with known or suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

The goal was “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,” members of the task force explained in a report published by Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Two rounds of surveys were conducted among ASAS members to identify critical elements for imaging referrals. The task force deliberated on the survey results, refining these elements for practical application, and proposed recommendations that were then voted on by ASAS membership.

“The collaborative effort resulted in a set of six detailed recommendations for clinicians involved in requesting imaging for patients with suspected or known axSpA,” the authors stated. “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.”

With the support of 73% of voting members of ASAS, these recommendations provide consensus on protocols for imaging requests in axSpA and standardization of 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,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Diekhoff T, Giraudo C, Machado PM, et al. Clinical information on imaging referrals for suspected or known axial spondyloarthritis: recommendations from the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS). Ann Rheum Dis. Published online first: 24 September 2024. doi:10.1136/ard-2024-226280