Use of Fleischner Society criteria for assessment of pulmonary nodules on computed tomography: practice guidelines

This article is an adapted version of the “Use of the Fleischner Society Criteria for the Assessment of Pulmonary Nodules on Computed Tomography: Practice Guidelines” published in the series Best Practices in Radiological and Instrumental Diagnostics (2024, Issue 142). These guidelines reflect the consensus of the Fleischner Society regarding pulmonary nodules detected by computed tomography. They are developed to reduce the number of unnecessary follow-up examinations and provide clear management strategies for incidentally detected pulmonary nodules in patients outside lung cancer screening programs. Outside lung cancer screening, the unified Fleischner Society terminology and the standardized interpretation of chest computed tomography findings facilitates effective communication and mutual understanding among healthcare professionals in clinical practice, medical education, and scientific research. These practice guidelines were approved by the Chief External Expert in Radiological and Instrumental Diagnostics of the Moscow City Health Department and were recommended by the Scientific Expert Council of the Moscow City Health Department.

The guidelines are intended for radiologists, heads of radiology units or departments of diagnostic imaging, and chief medical officers of healthcare institutions that include radiology units or departments of diagnostic imaging.