The four "Ds" of radiology reporting
The four "Ds" of radiology reporting are the basic sequential tasks that a radiologist performs when reporting/reading a case, whether it be in training, the exam environment or in day-to-day clinical practice.
The 4 "Ds"
By sticking to this format, one can confidently approach any case or problem in a professional and consistent manner.
A closer look
- the first task of the radiologist
- knowledge of associated signs and pathologies is essential i.e. when you see finding A, you know to look for finding B and C and exclude finding D
- what you detect should be included in the findings section of your report
- it is essential to describe the findings in a concise, clear, unambiguous and well structured manner
- use of medical terms and correct nomenclature is paramount
- accurate anatomical localization is scientific whereas radiological description can be more an art than a science
- this is written for the radiologist, i.e. a radiologist without the case in front of them on the other end of the phone should be able to form the same conclusion purely from your description alone
- it should be included in the findings section of your report
- the crux of the case report
- it is the answer to the clinical question the referrer is asking
- order the differentials list in the most likely sequence
- maximal three differential diagnoses is usually desirable
- it should be included in the conclusion/impression section of your report
- i.e. what to do next
- this is particularly important in viva exams
- do you need to tell someone about the result? And how urgently?
- do you need to recommend another test?
- do you need to recommend no further tests (i.e. "do not touch lesion")?
- when urgent or critical results are notified to the referrer, document when and to whom the results were communicated
- it should be included in the conclusion/impression section of your report
