Guidelines for imaging reach a new quality level towards computer-assisted diagnosis

For optimizing the transfer of clinical information to radiology departments, referral guidelines for imaging have been developed since the early 1990s. Their practical use has, however, been limited despite relevant progress in the design and worldwide support by radiological societies and governmental bodies. The reasons may be limitations in their design and implementation as well as the primary stakeholders’ intentions to reduce costs and radiation exposure instead of focussing on the clinical needs. In this issue of the Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift—Central European Journal of Medicine, Tamandl et al. publish consensus guidelines for imaging of hepatic tumors [1]. Their design has the potential for overcoming these limitations by following new quality standards and by integrating the European level of knowledge. …