AINR and SIRM recommendations on acquisition, interpretation and reporting of magnetic resonance imaging examination of spinal degenerative pathology

BACKGROUND: To promote a better radiological interpretation of spine degeneration, a consistent standardiza- tion of the acquisition, interpretation and description of radiological findings. METHODS: The objective was achieved through a consensus among experts in degenerative spine disease (DSD) from Italian radiological societies (Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology [SIRM], Italian Asso- ciation of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology [AINR]). The representatives of the Italian inter-societal working group examined the literature produced by European/American task forces on optimization of the study sequences, classification of degenerative disc changes, spondylo-arthrosis, osteochondrosis, synovial and ligament pathologies of the spinal column, and on canal and foraminal stenosis. RESULTS: The document presents a proposal for an optimized MRI protocol for the study of the spinal degenera- tive disease and provides a glossary of terms related to this pathology and indications on their use. The interna- tional terminological recommendations have been translated and adapted to the Italian language and clinical cases have been used to illustrate some of the main classifications. CONCLUSIONS: This revision and consensus made it possible to: 1) update the nomenclature to international stand- ards; and 2) harmonize the study and description of radiological findings in the Italian context. The work has an im- pact both on communication between doctors and between doctor/patient and on the quality of the diagnostic report.