Standardizing MR defecography referral and reporting: a multidisciplinary Delphi consensus

Dynamic magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) is a key imaging modality for comprehensive evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction, enabling detailed multiplanar anatomical and functional assessment without ionizing radiation. However, despite its established clinical role, MRD reporting is heterogeneous among centers, hindering standardized interpretation, multidisciplinary communication, and comparison across studies. This modified Delphi consensus study aimed to develop a standardized referral dataset and structured reporting framework for MRD.

A multidisciplinary panel of 20 Italian experts (radiologists, colorectal surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, physiatrists, and a methodologist) conducted a three-round Delphi process to develop consensus-based templates for MRD referral and reporting. Consensus was set at ≥75% agreement. A total of 36 items were evaluated, covering technical parameters, anatomical/functional findings, and reporting format.

Consensus was achieved for 21 items (58%), including technical parameters, standardized measurements (anorectal angle, pubococcygeal line), and clinically relevant descriptors (prolapse, dyssynergia, rectocele, rectal inertia). A structured referral template was also developed to improve information transfer from clinicians to radiologists. Both tools were unanimously endorsed.

This modified Delphi consensus study provides a multidisciplinary framework for standardized MRD referral and reporting. The proposed reporting template may facilitate greater consistency in image interpretation, reporting terminology, and multidisciplinary communication. These recommendations may serve as a foundation for the harmonization of MRD practice and future validation studies in pelvic floor imaging.