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Neuroradiology
Published in: Neuroradiology 6/2019

Open Access 01-06-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Dementia imaging in clinical practice: a European-wide survey of 193 centres and conclusions by the ESNR working group

Authors: M. W. Vernooij, F. B. Pizzini, R. Schmidt, M. Smits, T. A. Yousry, N. Bargallo, G. B. Frisoni, S. Haller, F. Barkhof

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 6/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

Through a European-wide survey, we assessed the current clinical practice of imaging in the primary evaluation of dementia, with respect to standardised imaging, evaluation and reporting.

Methods

An online questionnaire was emailed to all European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) members (n = 1662) and non-members who had expressed their interest in ESNR activities in the past (n = 6400). The questionnaire featured 42 individual items, divided into multiple choice, single best choice and free text answers. Information was gathered on the context of the practices, available and preferred imaging modalities, applied imaging protocols and standards for interpretation, reporting and communication.

Results

A total of 193 unique (non-duplicate) entries from the European academic and non-academic institutions were received from a total of 28 countries. Of these, 75% were neuroradiologists, 12% general radiologists and 11% (neuro) radiologists in training. Of responding centres, 38% performed more than five scans/week for suspected dementia. MRI was primarily used in 72% of centres. Over 90% of centres acquired a combination of T2w, FLAIR, T1w, DWI and T2*w sequences. Visual rating scales were used in 75% of centres, most often the Fazekas and medial temporal atrophy scale; 32% of respondents lacked full confidence in their use. Only 23% of centres performed volumetric analysis. A minority of centres (28%) used structured reports.

Conclusions

Current practice in dementia imaging is fairly homogeneous across Europe, in terms of image acquisition and image interpretation. Hurdles identified include training on the use of visual rating scales, implementation of volumetric assessment and structured reporting.
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Metadata
Title
Dementia imaging in clinical practice: a European-wide survey of 193 centres and conclusions by the ESNR working group
Authors
M. W. Vernooij
F. B. Pizzini
R. Schmidt
M. Smits
T. A. Yousry
N. Bargallo
G. B. Frisoni
S. Haller
F. Barkhof
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Neuroradiology / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-019-02188-y

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