[Critically appraised topics (CATs): a new publishing opportunity in Radiología]

Abstract

Physicians need fast access to quality information about the best diagnostic tests and treatments in each case. To meet this need, a new publishing format has emerged. Critically appraised topics (CATs) are elaborated following the five steps of evidence-based medicine. CATs are structured summaries of research articles that deal with a specific clinical query, presenting a critical evaluation of the best evidence available to support the validity of the available options. CATs have proven useful in teaching evidence-based radiology and this publishing format is becoming more common. Radiology CATs can be found on medical websites and in journals, including those dedicated to general medicine as well as those specifically dedicated to radiology. Radiología encourages the publication of CATs because we consider that they can be useful for daily decision making.

Keywords: Critically appraised topics; Diagnostic imaging; Diagnóstico por imagen; Evidence-based Radiology; Evidence-based medicine; Medicina basada en la evidencia; Radiología basada en la evidencia.