Antwerp hospital suspends radiologists amid concerns about quality of imaging

Antwerp hospital ZNA Cadix has suspended its seven radiologists as a precautionary measure following a negative evaluation of the quality of medical imaging, and has promised an investigation.

The hospital suspended its seven radiologists on Friday after the negative interim evaluation, which had been requested by the chief physician after reports from other doctors inside and outside the hospital. Experts examined 1,300 cases and found that 24 diagnoses were incomplete or insufficiently accurate.

These include a tumour that was measured incorrectly, a dilated blood vessel that went unnoticed and a thumb fracture that was only detected by a second doctor.

Patients are now being contacted by the hospital in order of urgency. How many of the cases are urgent is not clear, nor how many radiologists actually made errors. The hospital has promised an investigation and replaced its radiologists until further notice, though says this is a precautionary measure. Radiologists from other hospitals have taken over their duties.

More than 50 people have called the hospital's dedicated support line, 0800 61 107, which was opened to answer questions about possible errors with medical imaging. “About two-thirds of the people are calling about their own case,” said a spokesperson for the hospital group. “Others ask for an appointment or call to vent about the news.”

In May last year, the AZ Sint-Lucas Gent hospital fired three radiologists from its team of 11 following an audit.

_{​#FlandersNewsService | A radiologist examins a scan © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}