Radiological reports


Elizabeth Stokell MA VetMB CertVR MRCVS
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
University of Cambridge
Madingley Road
Cambridge


The film report should be organised according to the following sections:

1. Subject

Describe the subject with respect to the following:

2. Radiographic projections

3. Radiographic quality

Poor quality radiographs may be difficult or impossible to interpret, or may be misleading and mimic disease conditions.
Comment on the following features which affect the quality of the radiograph:

4. Radiological report

Recreate the radiograph for someone unable to see it.
Describe different projections of the same area at the same time.
Describe any abnormality according to its roentgen signs:
List the abnormal findings.
N.B. Remember to read the entire film.

5. Diagnosis/Differential diagnoses

A diagnosis may be readily apparent, or a number of differential diagnoses may have to be considered for each abnormality.
List differential diagnoses in order of likelihood, with qualifying statements as to any differential's particular likelihood in this patient.

6. Further diagnostic tests

Comment on what further diagnostic tests may allow a differential diagnosis to be made.

Consider further radiography: Consider other imaging modalities: Consider other diagnostic tests:

Radiographic interpretation is an art as well as a science. It is a skill that may be learnt by many clinicians. The more organised and analytical the approach to the radiograph, and the more feedback and experience obtained, the more astute the evaluator becomes in diagnostic radiology.