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Background <p>Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) surveillance relies on frequent MRI, often using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) without clear guidelines. While GBCAs enhance detection, they increase costs and potential long-term risks from gadolinium deposition.</p> Aims <p>This study evaluated whether real-time radiologist assessment during MRI could reduce unnecessary GBCA use while maintaining diagnostic accuracy in STS follow-up, analysing cost savings and clinical outcomes.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective audit reviewed 178 MRI scans (Jan 2023–Jan 2024) from 143 STS patients. Senior musculoskeletal radiologists determined contrast necessity after reviewing non-contrast sequences. Cost analysis used Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC).</p> Results <p>Contrast usage decreased from 100% to 70%, avoiding GBCA in 30% (54/178) of scans. Patients &gt; 5 years post-diagnosis saw a 74% reduction in contrast use. Annual savings totalled €2,184.84 (€40.46 per contrast scan avoided), with 20&#xa0;min saved per non-contrast scan.</p> Conclusions <p>Active radiologist involvement in STS MRI follow-up safely reduces gadolinium use without compromising recurrence detection. This approach lowers costs, optimizes scanner efficiency, and minimizes patient exposure to potential gadolinium-related risks.</p>

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Active radiologist role in contrast administration during MRI follow-up of soft tissue sarcoma reduces gadolinium usage: a cost-saving analysis study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月6日

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  • Jack W. Power,
  • Philip J. Dempsey,
  • John P. Hynes,
  • Annette White,
  • Niamh Long,
  • Steven J. Eustace,
  • Eoin Kavanagh

摘要

Background

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) surveillance relies on frequent MRI, often using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) without clear guidelines. While GBCAs enhance detection, they increase costs and potential long-term risks from gadolinium deposition.

Aims

This study evaluated whether real-time radiologist assessment during MRI could reduce unnecessary GBCA use while maintaining diagnostic accuracy in STS follow-up, analysing cost savings and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective audit reviewed 178 MRI scans (Jan 2023–Jan 2024) from 143 STS patients. Senior musculoskeletal radiologists determined contrast necessity after reviewing non-contrast sequences. Cost analysis used Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC).

Results

Contrast usage decreased from 100% to 70%, avoiding GBCA in 30% (54/178) of scans. Patients > 5 years post-diagnosis saw a 74% reduction in contrast use. Annual savings totalled €2,184.84 (€40.46 per contrast scan avoided), with 20 min saved per non-contrast scan.

Conclusions

Active radiologist involvement in STS MRI follow-up safely reduces gadolinium use without compromising recurrence detection. This approach lowers costs, optimizes scanner efficiency, and minimizes patient exposure to potential gadolinium-related risks.