CARE-radiology statement explanation and elaboration: reporting guideline for radiological case reports

Article type
Authors
Chen Y1, Lei J2, Luo X1, on behalf of CARE-radiology Working Group Q3, Shi J1, Tian M4, Wang
1Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu, China
2Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu, China
3CARE-radiology Working Group
4Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu, China; Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu, China
Abstract
Background
Despite the increasing number of radiological case reports, the majority lack a standardized methodology of writing and reporting.

Objectives
To develop a reporting guideline for radiological case reports based on the Case Report (CARE) statement.

Methods
We established a multidisciplinary group of experts, comprising 28 radiologists, methodologists, journal editors, and researchers, to develop a reporting guideline for radiology case reports according to the methodology recommended by the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network. The Delphi panel was requested to evaluate the significance of a list of elements for potential inclusion in a guideline for reporting mediation analyses.

Results
By reviewing the reporting guidelines and through discussion, we initially drafted 46 potential items. Following a Delphi survey and discussion, the final CARE-radiology checklist comprises 38 items in 16 domains.

Conclusions
CARE-radiology is a comprehensive reporting guideline for radiological case reports developed using a rigorous methodology. We hope that compliance with CARE-radiology will help in the future to improve the completeness and quality of case reports in radiology.