RSNA Launches COVID-19 Imaging Data Repository

In answer to a global call from the healthcare community and in an effort to expand the body of knowledge around the COVID-19 pandemic, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is launching the COVID-19 Imaging Data Repository.

The open database will collect COVID-19 images and data from institutions, practices, and professional societies worldwide, building a comprehensive source for research and education efforts pertaining to the virus. All images and data will collected securely and in a way that maintains privacy and ethical principles.

“RSNA is committed to accelerating collaborative research and education on the uses of medical imaging to address diagnosis and imaging-based treatment of COVID-19,” said Curtis P. Langlotz, M.D., Ph.D., RSNA Board Liaison for Information Technology and Annual Meeting, in an announcement. “Because RSNA is a leader in connecting radiologists around the world, we have received a wave of requests from organizations interested in sharing imaging data, as well as from individuals and organizations seeking access to such data for research and education.”

Providers, practices, and organizations interested in submitting COVID-19 images and related information to the repository can respond to an RSNA survey. Expression of interest and responses are requested by April 15, 2020.

Similar to RSNA’s other data-sharing efforts with images, research, and technologic innovation, this repository will be grounded in collaboration with other imaging organizations, particularly the European Imaging COVID-19 AI Initiative that is supported by the European Society of Medical Imaging Informatics.