Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for bladder cancer: a comprehensive systematic review of the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) performance and potential clinical applications.

backgroundThe Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) score is a novel standardized approach to image and report bladder cancer (BC) with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).

objectivesTo describe and evaluate the performance of the VI-RADS score using mpMRI and assess its potential clinical applications and limitations.

methodsA systematic review was conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic bibliographic databases between June 2020 and December 2020. All reports deemed relevant to describe the VI-RADS score and assess its performance and applications were retrieved. Results presentation stands as narrative, purely descriptive synthesis based on aggregate studies data.

resultsA total of 20 relevant studies were retrieved: three meta-analyses, five prospective studies, and twelve retrospective studies. The retrospective studies covered 1676 patients, while the prospective studies included a total number of 468 patients. Pooled sensitivity, specificity to differentiate muscle-invasive from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, ranged from 74.1% to 97.3%, and 77% to 100%, respectively. The chosen VI-RADS score thresholds for this discrimination varied across studies. The interreader agreement ranged from 0.73 to 0.95. Currently, the potential clinical applications of VI-RADS consist of initial BC risk stratification, assessment of neoadjuvant therapies response, and bladder sparing approaches, although further validation is required.

conclusionsThe VI-RADS score helps to discriminate muscle invasive from non-muscle invasive BC with good performance and reproducibility. A simple algorithm based on four basic questions may enhance its popularization. Further studies are required to validate the clinical applications.