MRI Classification Aids Interpretation of Images for axSpA

A novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) categorization system improved interpretation consistency between clinicians and radiologists and reduced interpretation variability of reports, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.

Researchers aimed to validate the MRI reporting system for the sacroiliac joint to improve the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis, addressing the variations caused by the subjective interpretation of MRI reports. A historical review was performed on 130 consecutive patients referred for initial MRI assessment by 2 rheumatologists. The original MRI reports were first categorized using traditional methods by the referring rheumatologists and the radiologist who conducted the MRI scans. Then 2 musculoskeletal radiologists reinterpreted the same MRI scans using the new reporting system, and these new reports were categorized by the same rheumatologists. The study assessed the effectiveness of the new framework by comparing the consistency between the interpretations of both reports.

Out of the 130 patients, 92 met the inclusion criteria for the study. Discrepancies were found in 12% of cases between the rheumatologists when categorizing the original MRI reports. Additionally, the rheumatologists and the original radiologist disagreed in 23.4% of cases. However, with the new MRI reporting system, the agreement between the rheumatologists and radiologists was 100%.

The results demonstrate that the novel MRI categorization system improved interpretation consistency between clinicians and radiologists. By standardizing the vocabulary used in MRI reports, the system reduced interpretation variability and could enhance the accuracy of clinical decision-making in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.

Reference
O'Neill J, Dhillon SS, Ma CT, et al. Axial Spondyloarthritis: Does magnetic resonance imaging classification improve report interpretation. J Clin Rheumatol. 2024;30(4):145-150. doi:10.1097/RHU.0000000000002079