Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
Audio Summaries

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Penetrating Trauma-Abdomen and Pelvis: Update 2026

Mar 21, 2026

The authors aim to update the ACR Appropriateness Criteria for imaging in cases of penetrating trauma to the abdomen and pelvis, specifically addressing the optimal imaging techniques for assessing urinary tract injuries. They recommend CT of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast and CT urography for suspected upper tract injuries, while suggesting fluoroscopic retrograde urethrography and contrast-enhanced CT for lower tract injuries, emphasizing the importance of tailored imaging protocols based on the type of trauma. The guidelines are based on a systematic review of the literature and expert consensus to ensure evidence-based recommendations.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging and Follow-Up of Adrenal Cancer

Mar 21, 2026

The authors aim to establish evidence-based guidelines for the staging and follow-up of adrenal cancer, specifically adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and pheochromocytoma, by reviewing appropriate imaging modalities. They recommend various imaging techniques, including MRI, CT, and PET scans, to assess local extent, distant metastases, and recurrence for both types of cancer. The guidelines are informed by a systematic analysis of the medical literature and expert consensus where evidence is limited.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected and Known Renal or Splanchnic Artery Aneurysm

Mar 20, 2026

The authors aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for the imaging evaluation of suspected and known renal and splanchnic artery aneurysms across various clinical scenarios, including initial evaluation and surveillance in both adults and pregnant patients. They review the roles of different imaging modalities, such as CTA, MRA, and ultrasound, emphasizing their diagnostic performance and safety considerations to optimize imaging utilization and enhance patient-centered management. The guidelines are grounded in systematic literature analysis and expert consensus, ensuring they reflect current best practices in vascular imaging.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Physical Abuse-Child: Update 2025

Mar 20, 2026

The authors aim to update the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria for imaging in cases of suspected physical abuse in children, particularly focusing on the appropriate imaging protocols for different age groups. They emphasize that for infants and toddlers, a skeletal survey and noncontrast head CT are essential first-line imaging tools, while older children require more targeted imaging based on specific symptoms. The guidelines are based on a systematic review of evidence and expert consensus to ensure effective detection of occult injuries.

Certainty Language Use In Pediatric Radiology: A Single Institution Analysis

Mar 16, 2026

The authors aimed to characterize the use of diagnostic certainty phrases (DCPs) among pediatric radiologists in a large academic institution, as prior research indicated variability in DCP usage in adult radiology. Their analysis of 309,751 pediatric imaging reports revealed that 20.9% contained DCPs, with higher usage associated with certain imaging modalities, patient demographics, and radiologist experience. The findings highlight significant variability in DCP usage, suggesting a need for standardized reporting to reduce uncertainty in the clinical diagnostic process.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection-Interventional Planning and Follow-Up: Update 2025

Mar 16, 2026

The authors aim to update the guidelines for the evaluation and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and aortic dissection, emphasizing the importance of preoperative imaging to assess anatomy and surgical feasibility. They highlight the need for ongoing surveillance imaging post-repair, particularly for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), due to its associated complications. The guidelines are based on a systematic review of the literature and expert consensus, ensuring evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Mar 13, 2026

This paper outlines the imaging modalities recommended for diagnosing and managing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), focusing on the appropriateness of various imaging techniques. The authors aim to establish evidence-based guidelines for the use of ultrasound, MRI, and CT in diagnosing ADPKD, assessing kidney function, and identifying complications. The guidelines are developed through a systematic review of the literature and expert consensus to ensure optimal patient care.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging and Follow-Up of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Mar 13, 2026

The authors aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for the imaging evaluation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) across various clinical scenarios, including staging and follow-up. They emphasize the use of contrast-enhanced CT as the primary imaging modality, with MRI and DOTATATE PET/CT serving important roles in specific cases, particularly for liver evaluation and metastatic disease. The guidelines are informed by a systematic review of the literature and expert consensus to ensure appropriate imaging practices for optimizing patient management.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging and Follow-Up of Melanoma

Mar 13, 2026

The authors aim to establish evidence-based guidelines for the staging and follow-up of melanoma using various imaging modalities, addressing factors such as nodal status and the presence of metastases. They utilize the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria and systematic literature analysis to inform their recommendations, particularly in scenarios where existing literature is limited or unclear. This comprehensive overview serves to guide clinical decision-making in the management of melanoma patients.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Joint Pain: Idiopathic Arthritis-Child

Mar 12, 2026

The authors aim to establish evidence-based imaging guidelines for the initial evaluation and follow-up of children suspected of having juvenile idiopathic arthritis, focusing on both the axial and appendicular skeleton. They utilize the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria and systematic literature analysis to formulate these recommendations, ensuring that the guidelines are grounded in the best available evidence. In cases where literature is insufficient, expert opinion is employed to guide imaging practices.