Guide to the radiology report

Abstract

The radiology report is an important, but often neglected, aspect of radiology. Suggestions on style and content are discussed. These include: (i) concise reporting; (ii) correct English; (iii) present tense for current reporting; (iv) reading the request with care; (v) recognizing the recipients; (vi) being aware of unintended readers; (vii) stating the most important findings; (viii) where possible, quantifying findings; (ix) reporting some incidental findings; (x) avoiding a tale of woe; (xi) summarizing a longer report; (xii) using inductive logic; (xiii) using non-radiological input (such as probability) if pertinent; (xiv) discussing minor findings in the body of the report; (xv) taking care in suggesting further investigations; (xvi) ensuring the conclusion and recommendations are clear; (xvii) considering alternate diagnoses; and (xviii) considering if a dictated report is sufficient.