MRI head reporting in patients with Lung Cancer August 2024-2025

Abstract

Introduction Timely MRI head (MRIH) imaging and reporting are essential for accurate lung cancer staging, enabling early detection of brain metastases, and informing treatment decisions.1 National guidance recommends outpatient MRIH be reported within 28 days, or within 3 days if on the faster diagnosis standard cancer pathway.2 Delays may postpone treatment, reduce curative opportunities, and lead to adverse outcomes.3 To evaluate this, Barts Health NHS Trust audited MRI head reporting times and assessed whether delays influenced prognosis or outcomes. Methods All patients attending the lung cancer clinic who underwent MRIH between August 2024 and August 2025 were included. Data collected included age, sex, treatment intent, MRI reporting time and time to death following MRI. Results 308 MRIH scans were undertaken in 219 patients, median age 67 (57-74) years and 54.5% male. Median reporting time was 14 (6-29) days with 74.7% of scans reported within 28 days. Staging MRIH for radically treatable patients (n = 32) had a median reporting time of 7 (1.75-10.25) days, with 11/32 (34.4%) scans reported within 3 days. 47 (21.5%) patients died, at a median interval of 93 (59-184) days from MRIH to death. 78.7% of patients who died had imaging reported within 28 days. No significant correlation was observed between reporting time and time to death (r = 0.046, 95%CI [0.24,0.33], p = 0.76). Conclusions One quarter of MRIHs were not reported according to national targets. No association with short-term mortality was observed in this small cohort. Further work is required to identify contributory factors and guide quality improvement initiatives to optimise timely reporting and improve patient outcomes. Disclosure No significant relationship. Copyright © 2026 Elsevier B.V.