Impact of a Structured Report Template on the Quality of MRI Reports for Rectal Cancer Staging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of implementing a structured report template on the quality of MRI reports for rectal cancer staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After excluding examinations performed after surgery or neoadjuvant therapy, we analyzed all rectal cancer staging MRI reports finalized at an academic medical center 12 months before and after an intervention consisting of implementing a structured report template integrated into the institution's speech recognition system. The primary outcome measure was the quality of rectal cancer staging MRI reports classified as optimal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory, on the basis of the documentation of 14 quality measures predefined by a consensus of the institution's abdominal radiology subspecialists. Chi-square and t tests were used to assess differences in report quality and documentation of each discrete quality measure before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The study cohort included 106 MRI reports from 104 patients (mean age, 60 years; 58.5% male); 52 (49.1%) of the reports were completed before implementation of the structured report template. After implementation, the proportion of total reports classified as optimal or satisfactory increased from 38.5% (20/52) to 70.4% (38/54) (p = 0.0010). No reports generated before the intervention were classified as optimal, whereas 40.7% (22/54) of reports were classified as optimal after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Implementation and voluntary use of a structured report template improved the quality of MRI reports for rectal cancer staging compared with free-text format.

Yield of urinary tract cancer diagnosis with repeat CT urography in patients with hematuria.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of repeat CT urography (CTU) in detecting urinary tract malignancies in patients with hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A review of 5525 patients who underwent CTU between 2000 and 2011 revealed 751 (13.6%) patients who underwent repeat CTU. We excluded 127 patients with more than 3 years between examinations, 409 with nonhematuria indications, and 13 with less than 1 year of follow-up from a negative repeat examination. An additional 54 patients with malignancy diagnosed on the initial evaluation were excluded, leaving 148 patients in the study cohort (77 men and 71 women; mean age, 57 years). Patients were categorized on the basis of the presence or absence of findings suspicious for malignancy on initial CTU reports. Repeat CTU reports were correlated with cystoscopy, pathology, and clinical follow-up to determine the incidence of malignancy. Examinations negative for malignancy were confirmed with at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. CTU examinations of patients diagnosed with malignancy on repeat examination were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus. RESULTS. Initial CTU showed no findings suspicious for malignancy in 103 (70%) of 148 patients; of these, none had malignancy identified on repeat CTU. Among 45 (30%) patients with suspicious initial CTU findings, four malignancies were identified on repeat CTU (8.9%). Three were incidental to the initial suspicious finding; in retrospect, two were present on the initial CTU examination. CONCLUSION. In patients with hematuria, repeat CTU within 3 years is unlikely to show a urinary tract malignancy. These results support currently published guidelines.

Use of CT and MRI in emergency department patients with acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE: Assess the utility of CT and MRI in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) presenting to emergency department (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study, we identified all patients with AP from March 2012 through February 2013 in ED of a teaching hospital with approximately 60,000 annual visits. Patients were initially identified via ICD-9 code for AP (577.0); diagnosis was confirmed by chart review using established diagnostic criteria (presence of two of the following: typical abdominal pain, elevated lipase/amylase >3 times normal, or imaging findings of pancreatitis). Abdominal CT or MRI obtained in the ED and within 24 h of admission was reviewed by a fellowship-trained abdominal radiologist. RESULTS: Of 101 patients admitted with AP (60 women, 41 men; mean age 52 years, range 20-89), 63 (62.4%) underwent imaging; only one (1.6%) showed pancreatic necrosis. 88 (87.1%) patients could have been clinically diagnosed without imaging based on presence of abdominal pain and elevated laboratory values; 13 (12.9%) required imaging for diagnosis. Of 88 patients who met AP diagnostic criteria without imaging, 50 (56.8%) nonetheless underwent imaging, with AP without necrosis seen in 34 (68.0%), pancreatic necrosis in one (2.0%), sequelae of prior AP in four (8.0%), and no abnormality in 11 (22.0%). CONCLUSION: Early imaging is common in patients with AP, even when the diagnosis can be established based on non-imaging criteria, rarely demonstrating pancreatic necrosis. Reducing overuse of early imaging in patients with confident diagnosis of AP may improve quality and reduce waste.

Necrotizing pancreatitis: diagnosis, imaging, and intervention.

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe form of acute pancreatitis characterized by necrosis in and around the pancreas and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although acute interstitial edematous pancreatitis is diagnosed primarily on the basis of signs, symptoms, and laboratory test findings, the diagnosis and severity assessment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis are based in large part on imaging findings. On the basis of the revised Atlanta classification system of 2012, necrotizing pancreatitis is subdivided anatomically into parenchymal, peripancreatic, and combined subtypes, and temporally into clinical early (within 1 week of onset) and late (>1 week after onset) phases. Associated collections are categorized as "acute necrotic" or "walled off" and can be sterile or infected. Imaging, primarily computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, plays an essential role in the diagnosis of necrotizing pancreatitis and the identification of complications, including infection, bowel and biliary obstruction, hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm formation, and venous thrombosis. Imaging is also used to help triage patients and guide both temporizing and definitive management. A "step-up" method for the management of necrotizing pancreatitis that makes use of imaging-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of fluid collections prior to endoscopic or surgical necrosectomy has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. The authors present an algorithmic approach to the care of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and review the use of imaging and interventional techniques in the diagnosis and management of this pathologic condition.

Imaging female infertility.

The purpose of this pictorial review is to discuss causes of female infertility, in particular, those etiologies in which imaging plays a key role in detection. Included are disorders of cervical, ovarian, fallopian tube, and uterine origin. We also discuss the role of various imaging modalities including hysterosalpingography, pelvic ultrasonography, hysterosonography, and pelvic MR imaging in elucidating the cause of female infertility. Radiologists need to know the conditions to be aware of when these patients are sent for diagnostic imaging, as well as how to direct further management, if necessary, should an abnormality be detected.

Multidetector-row computed tomography enterographic assessment of the ileal-anal pouch: descriptive radiologic analysis with endoscopic and pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the multidetector-row computed tomography enterographic (MD-CTE) features of the ileal-anal pouch after ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery and correlate them with pouch endoscopy and histopathologic findings. METHODS: All MD-CTE examinations performed on patients who underwent IPAA from July 1, 2005 to December 1, 2010 (n = 35; 16 [45.7%] men; mean age, 37.7 years; age range, 22-72 years) were retrospectively evaluated in consensus by 2 radiologists. All studies were evaluated for the presence of multiple imaging features. Two radiographic scores were then calculated: a total radiographic score and a radiographic active inflammation score. In patients who underwent MD-CTE, pouch endoscopy, and biopsy within 30 days (n = 13), both scores were correlated with findings on pouch endoscopy and histopathology. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 33 (94%) had at least one MD-CTE finding of active or chronic pouch inflammation and 27 patients (77%) had at least one MD-CTE finding of active pouch inflammation. Of the 13 patients who underwent endoscopy and biopsy, the total radiographic score demonstrated a strong positive correlation with endoscopic score (r = 0.81; P = 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation with histopathologic score (r = 0.56; P = 0.047). The radiographic active inflammation score demonstrated a strong positive correlation with endoscopic score (r = 0.83; P = 0.0004), but only a weak nonsignificant positive correlation with histopathologic score (r = 0.492, P = 0.087). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who had IPAA surgery, findings on MD-CTE correlate positively with findings on pouch endoscopy and histopathology and are sensitive measures for pouch inflammation with high positive predictive value. Thus, MD-CTE can be a useful noninvasive test in the early evaluation of symptomatic patients.

Diffusion-weighted MRI of focal cystic pancreatic lesions at 3.0-Tesla: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To determine the utility of 3.0-Tesla diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for focal cystic pancreatic lesion (FCPL) characterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 FCPL (34 IPMN, 5 serous cystadenoma, and 16 inflammatory) were evaluated. Two radiologists reviewed in consensus DW-MRI images. Reference standard was obtained from patient history, cytological and histopathology data, FCPL fluid analysis, and follow-up imaging results. Signal intensity (SI) and apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC) of FCPL and normal pancreas were measured. FCPL-to-pancreas SI and ADC ratios were also calculated. RESULTS: Qualitatively, 11 of 21 non-mucinous vs. 4 of 34 mucinous lesions appeared hyperintense at b value of 1,000 s/mm(2) (P = 0.02). Three FCPL demonstrated restricted diffusion: all inflammatory. Significant differences in mean ADC between neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic (P = 0.009), and mucinous vs. non-mucinous (P = 0.013) lesions were demonstrated. FCPL-to-pancreas ADC and SI ratios demonstrated significant differences between neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic lesions [ADC, (P = 0.019); SI for b values 750 (P = 0.010) and 1,000 s/mm(2) (P = 0.017)] and mucinous vs. non-mucinous lesions [ADC (P = 0.018); SI for b values 750 (P = 0.013) and 1,000 s/mm(2) (P = 0.015)]. CONCLUSION: Although mean ADC values and FCPL-to-pancreas SI and ADC ratios may be helpful in differentiating FCPL, characterization of individual FCPL by means of 3.0-Tesla DW-MRI appears limited.

MDCT assessment of ulcerative colitis: radiologic analysis with clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the utility of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in assessing the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) in comparison with clinical assessment, colonoscopy, and histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with UC evaluated with at least one abdominal contrast-enhanced CT study (CECT) within 7 days of colonoscopy with biopsy were included. CECT of 23 patients (12 male; mean age 40 years; age range, 20-72 years) were retrospectively evaluated in consensus by two radiologists. A total of 138 lower GI tract segments were evaluated by CECT and graded for the presence of bowel wall thickening, mucosal hyperenhancement, mural stratification, mesenteric hyperemia, pericolonic stranding, and lymph nodes. A cumulative CT severity score was calculated and correlated with clinical, colonoscopic, and histopathologic severity grades. RESULTS: The cumulative CT score and individual CECT scores for bowel wall thickening, mucosal hyperenhancement, and mural stratification showed positive correlation with clinical severity (P < 0.05). All individual CECT features as well as the cumulative CT score demonstrated statistically significant correlation with colonoscopic severity (P < 0.0001). Only wall thickening on CECT demonstrated significant correlation with histopathologic severity (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Disease severity assessment by MDCT demonstrates positive correlation with severity established by clinical assessment and colonoscopy. Only increasing wall thickness, as graded on MDCT, correlates with histopathologic disease severity.

Dynamic MR defecography: assessment of the usefulness of the defecation phase.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of the defecation phase during dynamic MR defecography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The images from 85 MR defecographic examinations (83 patients; age range, 20-88 years; mean, 52.7) were retrospectively reviewed in consensus by two observers. Images from each of four phases (rest, maximal sphincter contraction and squeezing, maximal straining, and defecation) were evaluated and scored independently with a modified previously published grading system. Features evaluated included the presence and degree of bladder, vaginal, and rectal descent and the presence and size of rectocele, enterocele, and intussusception. Statistical analysis was performed with a variety of tests. RESULTS: Compared with images obtained in the other phases, defecation phase images helped in identification of additional cases of abnormal bladder descent in 43 examinations (50.6%), abnormal vaginal descent in 52 examinations (61.2%), and abnormal rectal descent in 11 examinations (12.9%). Similarly, only defecation phase images depicted previously undetected rectoceles 2 cm or larger in 31 examinations (36.5%), enteroceles in 34 examinations (40%), and intussusceptions in 22 examinations (25.9%). The number of additional cases of abnormalities identified on defecation phase images was significantly greater than the number identified on images obtained in the other phases (p < 0.005). The average total scores for the rest, squeeze, strain, and defecation phases were 1.4, 0.7, 2.3, and 6.6. The average total defecation phase score was significantly greater than the average total score in any of the other phases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During dynamic MR defecography, defecation phase imaging yields important additional information on the presence and degree of pelvic floor abnormalities and is therefore an essential component of MR defecographic examinations.

Feasibility of low-tube-voltage excretory phase images during CT urography: assessment using a dual-energy CT scanner.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of low-tube-voltage images during excretory phase CT urography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we examined 70 consecutive CT urograms (35 men and 35 women; mean age, 58.5 years) performed on a dual-energy CT scanner and compared excretory phase images obtained at 80 kVp and 340 mAs with blended images (0.3 × 140 kVp and 80 mAs; and 0.7 × 80 kVp and 340 mAs). Quantitative measurements of urinary system opacification (Hounsfield units), image noise (Hounsfield units), and effective dose (millisieverts) were compared using Student paired t test. Image noise was correlated with patient thickness. Two independent blinded readers qualitatively assessed opacification, image quality (both compared using Wilcoxon test), overall acceptability (compared using McNemar test), and detectability of urinary and extraurinary findings. RESULTS: The 80-kVp images yielded significantly higher opacification of renal pelvis (p < 0.0001), ureter (p < 0.0001), bladder (p < 0.0001), and aorta (p < 0.0001); higher image noise (p < 0.0001); and lower radiation dose (5.2 vs 11.9 mSv). Image noise increased along with increasing patient thickness (r = 0.86 for 80-kVp images). Qualitative opacification scores were better only in the bladder on 80-kVp images (p = 0.002). Although 80-kVp image quality was lower (p < 0.0001), the overall acceptability was similar. Of 42 urinary findings, 40 were detected on 80-kVp images (< 2-mm calyceal calculus and tiny foci of collecting system gas were missed in one patient each, both large patients). Of 137 extraurinary findings, 130 were detected on 80-kVp images (no findings of high clinical significance were missed). CONCLUSION: Low tube voltage (80 kVp) during excretory phase CT urography is feasible, with improved urinary system opacification, acceptable image quality, and lower radiation dose.

Usefulness of percutaneous biopsy in diagnosing benign renal masses that mimic malignancy.

Percutaneous biopsy has long been used to diagnose malignancies of the kidney. It is an established technique with multiple indications. Percutaneous biopsy now can be used to diagnose benign conditions that may mimic a malignancy and lead to unnecessary treatments. Advances in cytological techniques such as immunocytochemistry and cytogenetics have allowed for an increased diagnostic yield. In this review, various benign entities that may present as a renal mass are discussed and the vital role of percutaneous biopsy detailed.

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney: imaging features.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the features on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of mixed epithelial and stromal tumours of the kidney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five women with renal mixed epithelial and stromal tumours (mean age 55.6 years, range 49-59) who had preoperative imaging were retrospectively analysed. Three ultrasonograms, five contrast-enhanced CT scans, and one contrast-enhanced MRI examination were available for review. Specific imaging features analysed included lesion size, location, enhancement and cystic composition. The presence of calcification, septation, nodularity and a capsule were also evaluated. RESULTS: All mixed epithelial and stromal tumours appeared as well-marginated, multi-septate cystic masses with a nodular component. All lesions were classified as Bosniak category III (three) or IV (two). The presence of calcification (four) or a capsule (three) was variable. Two tumours invaginated into the renal pelvis with no invasion. CONCLUSION: Mixed epithelial and stromal tumours of the kidney have a diverse radiographic appearance, indistinguishable from multilocular cystic nephroma and cystic renal cell carcinoma.

Autoimmune hepatitis: CT and MR imaging features with histopathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: To describe the CT and MRI features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and correlate them with histological grade and stage. Observed changes associated with treatment are also described. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the initial CT scans (n = 22) and MRI exams (n = 12) of 27 patients with pathologically-proven AIH was conducted. Multiple objective and subjective imaging features were evaluated. Correlation of imaging features with histological inflammatory grade and fibrotic stage was performed using the Fisher exact test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In eight patients serial CT and MR imaging during treatment was used to describe the changes associated with treatment. RESULTS: The presence of ascites, expanded gallbladder fossa, spleen size, and enlarged preportal space had significant positive correlations with fibrotic stage. No significant positive correlations existed between imaging features and portal or lobular inflammatory grade. Seven patients (25.9%) were normal. The most common abnormal finding was surface nodularity: CT (n = 11 [50%]) and MRI (n = 8 [66.7%]). There was a wide variability in imaging appearances of patients who had serial scans on treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide spectrum of CT and MR imaging features in patients with AIH. Several MRI features demonstrate a significant positive correlation with fibrotic stage.

The bloody pancreas: MDCT and MRI features of hypervascular and hemorrhagic pancreatic conditions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to illustrate the varied MDCT and MRI appearances of hypervascular and hemorrhagic pancreatic conditions and their mimics. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic hypervascular conditions are easily detected at multiphasic contrast-enhanced MDCT and MRI. Hemorrhagic pancreatic abnormalities are best depicted with unenhanced CT and, especially, fat-suppressed T1-weighted MRI. Familiarity with the spectrum of possible underlying causes and the imaging features and conditions that can act as mimics assists radiologists in making an accurate presumptive diagnosis.

Bladder cancer diagnosis with CT urography: test characteristics and reasons for false-positive and false-negative results.

PURPOSE: To determine test characteristics of CT urography for detecting bladder cancer in patients with hematuria and those undergoing surveillance, and to analyze reasons for false-positive and false-negative results. METHODS: A HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved retrospective review of reports from 1623 CT urograms between 10/2010 and 12/31/2013 was performed. 710 examinations for hematuria or bladder cancer history were compared to cystoscopy performed within 6 months. Reference standard was surgical pathology or 1-year minimum clinical follow-up. False-positive and false-negative examinations were reviewed to determine reasons for errors. RESULTS: Ninety-five bladder cancers were detected. CT urography accuracy: was 91.5% (650/710), sensitivity 86.3% (82/95), specificity 92.4% (568/615), positive predictive value 63.6% (82/129), and negative predictive value was 97.8% (568/581). Of 43 false positives, the majority of interpretation errors were due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 12), trabeculated bladder (n = 9), and treatment changes (n = 8). Other causes include blood clots, mistaken normal anatomy, infectious/inflammatory changes, or had no cystoscopic correlate. Of 13 false negatives, 11 were due to technique, one to a large urinary residual, one to artifact. There were no errors in perception. CONCLUSION: CT urography is an accurate test for diagnosing bladder cancer; however, in protocols relying predominantly on excretory phase images, overall sensitivity remains insufficient to obviate cystoscopy. Awareness of bladder cancer mimics may reduce false-positive results. Improvements in CTU technique may reduce false-negative results.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Pretreatment Staging of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has a tendency toward urothelial multifocality and is at risk for local and distant spread, most commonly to the lymph nodes, bone, lung, liver, and peritoneum. Pretreatment staging of MIBC should include imaging of the urothelial upper tract for synchronous lesions; imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis for metastases; and MRI pelvis for local staging. CT abdomen and pelvis without and with contrast (CT urogram) is recommended to assess the urothelium and abdominopelvic organs. Pelvic MRI can improve local bladder staging accuracy. Chest imaging is also recommended with chest radiograph usually being adequate. FDG-PET/CT may be appropriate to identify nodal and metastatic disease. Chest CT may be useful in high-risk patients and those with findings on chest radiograph. Nonurogram CT and MRI of the abdomen and pelvis are usually not appropriate, and neither is radiographic intravenous urography, Tc-99m whole body bone scan, nor bladder ultrasound for pretreatment staging of MIBC. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Post-treatment Follow-up Prostate Cancer.

Diagnosis and management of prostate cancer post treatment is a large and complex problem, and care of these patients requires multidisciplinary involvement of imaging, medical, and surgical specialties. Imaging capabilities for evaluation of men with recurrent prostate cancer are rapidly evolving, particularly with PET and MRI. At the same time, treatment options and capabilities are expanding and improving. These recommendations separate patients into three broad categories: (1) patients status post-radical prostatectomy, (2) clinical concern for residual or recurrent disease after nonsurgical local and pelvic treatments, and (3) metastatic prostate. This article is a review of the current literature regarding imaging in these settings and the resulting recommendations for imaging. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Metabolic Effects of Betaine: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Betaine Supplementation in Prediabetes.

Context: Plasma betaine correlates with insulin sensitivity in humans. Betaine supplementation improves metabolic effects in mice fed a high-fat diet. Objective: To assess metabolic effects of oral betaine in obese participants with prediabetes. Design: A 12-week, parallel arm, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Participants and Interventions: Persons with obesity and prediabetes (N = 27) were randomly assigned to receive betaine 3300 mg orally twice daily for 10 days, then 4950 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, or placebo. Main Outcome Measures: Changes from baseline in insulin sensitivity, glycemia, hepatic fat, and endothelial function. Results: There was a 16.5-fold increase in plasma dimethylglycine [dimethylglycine (DMG); P < 0.0001] levels, but modest 1.3- and 1.5-fold increases in downstream serine and methionine levels, respectively, in the betaine vs placebo arm. Betaine tended to reduce fasting glucose levels (P = 0.08 vs placebo) but had no other effect on glycemia. Insulin area under curve after oral glucose was reduced for betaine treatment compared with placebo (P = 0.038). Insulin sensitivity, assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, was not improved. Serum total cholesterol levels increased after betaine treatment compared with placebo (P = 0.032). There were no differences in change in intrahepatic triglyceride or endothelial function between groups. Conclusion: DMG accumulation supports DMG dehydrogenase as rate limiting for betaine metabolism in persons with prediabetes. Betaine had little metabolic effect. Additional studies may elucidate mechanisms contributing to differences between preclinical and human responses to betaine, and whether supplementation of metabolites downstream of DMG improves metabolism.

Focal Cystic Pancreatic Lesion Follow-up Recommendations After Publication of ACR White Paper on Managing Incidental Findings.

PURPOSE: To describe the variation in radiologists' follow-up recommendations for focal cystic pancreatic lesions (FCPL) after publication of the 2010 ACR incidental findings White Paper and determine adherence to guidance of the ACR Incidental Findings Committee. METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective, HIPAA-compliant observational study. Patients with FCPL were identified from abdominal CT and MRI reports generated in 2013 using natural language processing software. Patient-, lesion-, and radiologist-specific variables were recorded. Primary outcome was whether a follow-up recommendation was made, and if it included a specific study or intervention and recommended time for follow-up. χ2 and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors and controlled for recommendation. These data were compared with 2009 data obtained before the White Paper's publication. Secondary outcome was adherence to the ACR's guidance. RESULTS: During calendar year 2013, 1,377 reports describing FCPLs were identified in 1,038 patients. After excluding examinations from low-volume readers (n = 80), radiologists recommended follow-up imaging in 13.5% (175/1,297) of cases, a decrease from 2009 when it was recommended in 23.7% (221/933) of cases (P < .001). Findings were consistent across radiologists after controlling for patient- and lesion-specific variables. Variability in follow-up recommendations persists between radiologists (2.4-fold difference in 2013 versus 2.8-fold difference in 2009). Radiologists adhered to ACR guidance principles 47.4% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Despite published guidance recommendations and reported awareness of them, fewer than half of follow-up recommendations for FCPL are consistent with the guidance and considerable variability persists among radiologists.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Hematospermia.

Most men with hematospermia or hemospermia (HS) are young (<40 years of age), presenting with transient or episodic HS without other signs or symptoms of disease. The condition is self-limiting in most cases and idiopathic in nature. When a cause can be identified, infections of the urogenital tract are the most common. Imaging does not play a role in this patient population. In older men (>40 years of age), clinical screening for prostate cancer is advised. Furthermore, when HS is persistent or has symptoms, causes include obstruction or stricture at the level of the verumontanum, calcifications or calculi in the prostate, ejaculatory ducts or seminal vesicles, and cysts arising within these structures. Noninvasive imaging, predominantly transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and MRI, can be used in men of any age with persistent or refractory HS, or other associated symptoms or signs. TRUS is considered as the first-line imaging with MRI used when TRUS is inconclusive or negative. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.