Questionnaires improve accuracy of lumbar spine MRI diagnoses

A recent study shows that using a questionnaire to gather patient symptom information before a lumbar spine MRI can improve diagnostic accuracy for back pain. Radiologists can better identify the reasons behind back pain and related issues, known as radicular pain, with this approach. Dr. William Palmer, a radiology expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that while MRIs are good at spotting spine problems, they can also reveal issues in patients who do not have any symptoms. This makes it difficult for radiologists to know if the findings are causing pain or are just incidental. The study involved 240 patients and took place between May 2022 and February 2023. Researchers used an electronic health record (EHR) system to send a short questionnaire to patients two days before their MRI. This questionnaire collected details about the location and nature of their symptoms. The results from the questionnaire were available to radiologists as they reviewed the MRI scans. Six experienced radiologists interpreted MRIs with and without the symptom information. The study found that the radiologists who had access to patient-reported symptoms had a nearly perfect agreement with diagnoses made by spine specialists who spoke directly with patients. Dr. Palmer noted that the quality of symptom information is much better when collected directly from patients, compared to when it is provided by healthcare providers. This approach has the potential to enhance treatment decisions for patients with spine-related pain.