Actionable imaging findings in the daily PET/CT scenario

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Actionable findings require special communication between radiologists and clinicians.
• Current categorization may lead to underestimation or missed findings.
• A three-degree scale based on complication risk is suggested.

Purpose of the Study:

• Adapt the American College of Radiology (ACR) categorization for actionable findings in PET/CT imaging.
• Describe frequent and relevant imaging features of these findings.
• Propose communication strategies and clinical interventions based on prognostic severity.

Main Methods:

• Performed a descriptive, observational, and critical analysis of relevant literature.
• Utilized reports from the ACR Actionable Reporting Work Group.
• Conducted a narrative review of actionable findings in Nuclear Medicine PET/CT practice.

Main Results:

• Classified actionable findings by anatomical districts and described key imaging features.
• No clear indications currently exist for selective PET/CT actionable findings.
• Suggested varied communication timing and strategies based on urgency.

Conclusions:

• Systematic categorization aids reporting physicians in communication and clinical evaluation.
• Effective communication is critical in diagnostic imaging.
• Timely information receipt is paramount, regardless of delivery method.