Reporting and Data Systems in Radiology: The Chinese Experience

The Reporting and Data Systems (RADS) framework has become a key driver of structured reporting and standardization in radiology. This review summarizes the development and local adaptation of major RADS systems in China. Established RADS frameworks (such as those for breast, liver, and lung imaging) are already widely implemented in clinical practice, and more recently introduced frameworks (including thyroid, prostate, and coronary artery disease RADS) are gaining broader adoption, whereas emerging frameworks (such as ovarian-adnexal, bone, colon, neck and lymph node RADS) remain at an early exploratory stage. Despite ongoing challenges related to the local adaptation of RADS frameworks, data sharing, and quality control, China's large imaging volume and rapid integration of artificial intelligence provide unique opportunities. Through continued efforts in the local adaptation and optimization of frameworks, multicenter validation, and intelligent automation, Chinese radiology practice is expected to contribute significantly to global radiology standardization.