Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
Audio Summaries

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Myelopathy: 2026 Update

Jun 24, 2026

The authors aim to provide updated evidence-based guidelines for the imaging evaluation of myelopathy, a condition characterized by spinal cord dysfunction, to help differentiate between extrinsic and intrinsic causes. This document outlines the appropriateness criteria for imaging in various myelopathy scenarios, including acute, chronic, and vascular etiologies, to inform clinical decision-making regarding surgical or medical interventions. The guidelines are developed through a systematic review of the literature and expert consensus, ensuring they reflect the most current understanding of the condition.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Chronic Knee Pain: Update 2026

Jun 24, 2026

The authors aim to update the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria for evaluating chronic knee pain, which is a common issue in adults often linked to osteoarthritis and other conditions. They emphasize the importance of imaging, particularly radiographs, in diagnosing the underlying causes of knee pain, and outline specific scenarios where additional imaging may be necessary. The document serves as a guideline for clinicians to ensure appropriate imaging practices based on current evidence and expert consensus.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities in Breast Imaging: Site- and Network-Level Strategies for a Concentrated Consumable Market

Jun 22, 2026

The authors investigate strategies to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities in breast imaging, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by a needle recall. They identify three key approaches—strategic inventory stockpiling, vendor diversification, and protocol standardization—and emphasize that while each strategy has its merits, a combination of all three is necessary for effective resilience across imaging networks. The study highlights the importance of standardization as a foundational element that supports the other strategies in maintaining operational continuity.

Prostate MRI Practices and PI-RADS Use in China's Mainland: A Nationwide Assessment and Opportunities for Standardization

Jun 19, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the prevalence, technical standardization, and reporting practices of prostate MRI and the adoption of the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) across mainland China. Their nationwide survey revealed significant variability in practices, with only a minority of hospitals fully implementing essential protocols and PI-RADS reporting, indicating a critical need for national standardization efforts to enhance diagnostic consistency for prostate cancer.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Gastrointestinal Bleeding-Child

Jun 17, 2026

The authors aim to establish evidence-based guidelines for the imaging evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatric patients, addressing the appropriate use of various imaging modalities to diagnose and localize the source of bleeding. They emphasize the importance of tailoring imaging strategies based on the clinical scenario, particularly in unstable patients, while also highlighting the role of expert consensus when peer-reviewed literature is insufficient.

"Enhancing Patient Understanding of Radiology Reports Through LLM-Generated Summaries, Clickable Terms, and AI Videos"

Jun 9, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the impact of a web application that integrates clinician-edited large language model (LLM)-generated summaries, clickable definitions, and AI videos on patient comprehension of radiology reports. The study found that while overall comprehension improved significantly and many participants found the LLM summaries helpful, there were concerns about the reliability of LLM-generated content without clinician edits. This suggests that while LLM-driven tools can enhance patient understanding, their successful implementation may require ongoing professional oversight, which could pose challenges for scalability.

Identifying and Categorizing Diagnostic Errors in Abdominal Imaging using a Diagnostic Imaging-Specific Annotation Process

Jun 9, 2026

The authors aimed to identify and categorize contributory factors to diagnostic errors in abdominal imaging through a specialized annotation process. In a study of 185 patients, they found that 14.6% experienced diagnostic errors, primarily due to delays in performing ordered tests. The research demonstrated that an iterative training approach significantly improved inter-annotator agreement in identifying these errors compared to a gold standard established by radiology specialists.

History and the Current Generative AI Policies and the Case for a Universal Disclosure Log

Jun 7, 2026

The authors investigate the challenges of regulating the rapid advancements in generative AI, particularly in the context of medical journals, where inconsistent reporting standards hinder transparency. They propose the establishment of a universal disclosure log as a minimum standard to enhance clarity and accountability in AI-related publications, while also aligning with existing specialized frameworks.

Responsible AI Off-Boarding in Radiology: Staff Perspectives on Decommissioning and a Proposed Withdrawal Framework

Jun 7, 2026

The authors investigate the experiences of radiology staff following the withdrawal of a chest radiograph AI triage tool and aim to develop a framework for responsible AI off-boarding. Their findings reveal a mix of operational relief and perceived clinical loss among staff, highlighting the need for a structured three-phase protocol for decommissioning AI tools to ensure effective governance throughout the AI lifecycle.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Epigastric Pain

Jun 5, 2026

The authors aim to establish evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of epigastric pain, which can arise from various overlapping gastrointestinal conditions. They review specific scenarios, including complications from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), perforations, and post-surgical issues, while utilizing the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria to guide imaging and treatment recommendations. The document emphasizes the importance of systematic literature analysis and expert consensus in formulating these guidelines.