Standardized report template for indeterminate renal masses at CT and MRI: a collaborative product of the SAR Disease-Focused Panel on Renal Cell Carcinoma

To create a succinct yet comprehensive evidence-based structured report template for indeterminate renal masses characterized at CT and MRI.

This IRB-exempt, iterative, multi-institutional quality improvement project was informed by published data derived from a multi-institutional survey and a multi-institutional review of CT and MRI radiology reports. A two-stage blinded Delphi process by the 16-member 12-institution Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease-Focused Panel on Renal Cell Carcinoma was conducted to create a structured report template for indeterminate renal masses evaluated at CT and MRI. Individual reporting characteristics were scored by members as ‘core,’ ‘optional,’ or ‘exclude.’ Threshold for inclusion was ≥ 80% support. If < 80% members considered a characteristic a ‘core’ feature, but ≥ 80% considered it either ‘core’ or ‘optional,’ it was considered an ‘optional’ feature. If neither was the case, the characteristic was excluded. Free-text comments were permitted. Characteristics considered ‘core’ by 50–99% of respondents in Round 1 (i.e., nonunanimous support) and uninvestigated free-text comments were assessed in Round 2. Core and optional structured reporting templates were derived.

The response rate was 100% in Round 1 (16/16) and Round 2 (16/16). In Round 1, 5 characteristics had unanimous support as ‘core’ features. Following Round 2, 13 characteristics had ≥ 80% support as ‘core’ features, and 10 characteristics had ≥ 80% support as ‘optional’ features. Structured report templates were derived.

Structured ‘core’ and ‘optional’ templates for indeterminate renal masses at CT and MRI were derived, which may improve compliance with reporting preferred and essential imaging characteristics.