ACR Launches COVID-19 Imaging Research Registry

The American College of Radiology (ACR), along with several collaborators, took another step toward better combatting of COVID-19 today – the College launched its COVID-19 Imaging Research Registry (CIRR).

Designed to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of the virus, this cross-disciplinary initiative brings together radiologists and other clinical experts from clinical medicine, genetics, biomarker discovery, laboratory sciences, and other specialties. The registry has been launched in partnership with the ACR Center for Research and Innovation (CRI), the ACR Data Science Institute, and the Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR).

Sites that participate will contribute demographic information, clinical data on signs and symptoms, imaging exams, lab test data, and patient outcomes. For maximum collaboration, once officially launched in July 2020, the registry will link information from other COVID-19 registries and data sets.

According to Etta D. Pisano, M.D., FACR, ACR chief research officer, the registry will support continued COVID-19 research while giving radiologists the tools necessary to improve quality of care for patients. STR president Jane P. Ko, M.D., echoed that sentiment in a statement.

“The data registry will integrate imaging and clinical data, thus enabling investigators to address crucial questions related to the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with COVID-19 through collaborative efforts,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to aid patients affected by this emerging disease.”

By incorporating the CRI’s lengthy clinical research history and observational studies, the CIRR will provide ample opportunity for researchers to unearth new information about the clinical presentation and course of the virus. Investigators can also use the registry as a resource for developing and testing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms that can potentially predict the course and severity of disease in certain patient populations. This knowledge could be parlayed into more targeted treatments.

The ACR also noted it is planning to allow contributing clinicians to earn Merit-based Incentive Payment System credit. Sites interested in participating can learn more about the registry and details about how to get involved here.