Recommendations for the coordination of Neurology and Neuroradiology Departments in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Coordination between neurology and neuroradiology departments is crucial for performing and interpreting radiological studies as efficiently and as accurately as possible. However, improvements can be made in the communication between these departments in many Spanish hospitals.

Methods: A panel of 17 neurologists and neuroradiologists from 8 Spanish hospitals held in-person and online meetings to draft a series of good practice guidelines for the coordinated management of MS. The drafting process included 4 phases: 1) establishing the scope of the guidelines and the methodology of the study; 2) literature review on good practices or recommendations on the use of MRI in MS; 3) discussion and consensus between experts; and 4) validation of the contents.

Results: The expert panel agreed a total of 9 recommendations for improving coordination between neurology and neuroradiology departments. The recommendations revolve around 4 main pillars: 1) standardising the process for requesting and scheduling MRI studies and reports; 2) designing common protocols for MRI studies; 3) establishing multidisciplinary committees and coordination meetings; and 4) creating formal communication channels between both departments.

Conclusions: These consensus recommendations are intended to optimise coordination between neurologists and neuroradiologists, with the ultimate goal of improving the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with MS.

Keywords: Esclerosis múltiple; Good practice guidelines; Guía de buenas prácticas; Magnetic resonance imaging; Multiple sclerosis; Neurology; Neurología; Neuroradiology; Neurorradiología; Radiology; Radiología; Resonancia magnética.