Standardisation of imaging in neuroendocrine tumours: results of a European delphi process

In 1998 and 1999, a delphi consensus procedure was performed to establish guidelines for standardised diagnostic imaging of neuroendocrine tumours. The procedure included four consecutive workshops of a European group of experts in neuroendocrine tumours as well as feedback given by specialists from the departments of radiology, nuclear medicine, surgery and internal medicine of the according home institutions. Diverging approaches among the centres, which became apparent during the discussion, reflect a lack of controlled studies specifically for rare subgroups of neuroendocrine tumours. This paper summarises the standards for diagnostic imaging as developed during the delphi process. In particular, the diagnostic workflows as well as the technical properties of different imaging modalities are described in detail.