Fetal and neonatal post-mortem imaging referral template: recommendations from the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Post-mortem Task Force

Background In post-mortem (PM) fetal and neonatal imaging, relevant clinical information is crucial for accurate interpretation and diagnosis; however, it is usually incomplete. Objective To propose a standardized template for PM fetal and neonatal imaging referrals to enhance communication between referring clinicians and reporting radiologists. Materials and methods A modified Delphi approach was conducted amongst members of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) PM Task Force and other recommended PM imaging specialists worldwide to determine consensus on necessary information. These were based on three pre-existing referral templates already in use across a variety of centers. The study ran for 4 months (December 2023–April 2024). Results Nineteen specialists from 17 centers worldwide formed our expert panel. The final agreed referral template information includes the patient’s identification details (mother and fetus when available), fetal/neonatal information (gestational age, sex, type of demise (including type of termination of pregnancy (i.e., surgical or medical)), date and time of fetal demise (+ delivery) or neonatal death, singleton/multiple pregnancy, clinical information (obstetrical history, prenatal imaging findings, amniocentesis findings, physical external examination findings), provisional clinical diagnosis, and ordering physician’s information. Conclusion A comprehensive referral template has been created, representing expert consensus on the minimum data required for the conduct of quality PM fetal and neonatal imaging, with the goal of facilitating accuracy of image interpretation. Graphical Abstract