Reinterpretation of radiological findings in oesophago-gastric multidisciplinary meetings.

Abstract

This study aims to objectively evaluate the clinical impact and significance of the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) in the management of oesophago-gastric malignancies in a tertiary institution.A prospective observational study was designed to examine the role of MDT in the interpretation of computerized tomography (CT) scans in oesophago-gastric malignancies. The MDT reporting of CT scans were compared with the 'pre-meeting' formal report of the scans. 'Pre-meeting' CT reports are provided by internal institutional or independent radiologist. The frequency and significance of any reporting variance is examined.Of the 34 patients discussed, 13 patients (38%) had variations to the formal radiological report. This led a modification of disease stage in seven patients (21%) and change in diagnosis in three patients (9%). This had a major impact in nine patients (26%) of which seven patients (24%) had modification in treatment as a result of imaging reinterpretation.This study provides preliminary quantative evidence of the utility and importance of the MDT process in the management of oesophago-gastric malignancies. This has potential significant implications for basing patient treatment on isolated reports outside of MDT and supports this process as a standard of care.