cross-reference-linking

Links current findings to priors, related literature, and correlated data. Use when user mentions "compare to priors", "find prior studies", "correlate with", "longitudinal comparison", or needs historical context.

Cross-Reference Linking Skill

Triggers

  • "compare to priors"
  • "find prior studies"
  • "correlate with"
  • "longitudinal comparison"
  • "followup from"
  • "related findings"
  • "pathology correlation"

Parameters

  • reference_type (required): Type of cross-reference needed
    • prior_studies - Historical imaging comparison
    • literature - Relevant published cases or studies
    • followup - Sequential study comparison
    • multimodality - Different modality correlation
    • pathology - Radiology-pathology correlation
    • clinical - EHR/clinical data correlation
  • finding_summary (required): Current finding to cross-reference
  • patient_id (optional): Patient identifier for prior search
  • date_range (optional): Time window for prior search

Cross-Reference Types

Prior Study Comparison

  • Modality, date, and key findings of historical studies
  • Size/dimension comparisons for measurable findings
  • Density/signal intensity comparisons
  • Change assessment (stable, improved, progressed)

Literature Correlation

  • Similar published cases
  • Expected imaging appearances
  • Atypical presentations
  • Prognostic implications

Pathology Correlation

  • Common pathologies for imaging appearance
  • Staging implications (TNM, etc.)
  • Molecular markers and imaging correlates
  • Treatment response patterns

Clinical Correlation

  • Lab values relevant to imaging findings
  • Symptoms and clinical history
  • Treatment history and timeline

Output Format

Returns structured JSON with:

  • Prior finding references with dates
  • Comparison metrics (size, characteristics)
  • Change assessment with confidence
  • Recommendations for followup
  • Related literature citations

Usage Examples

reference_type: prior_studies
finding_summary: 2.5 cm lung nodule right upper lobe
patient_id: MRN12345

reference_type: pathology
finding_summary: irregular spiculated mass left lower lobe

reference_type: followup
finding_summary: 1.2 cm thyroid nodule compared to 6 months prior

Data Sources

  • PACS for prior imaging studies
  • RIS for structured reports
  • EHR for clinical correlation
  • Literature databases for research correlation
  • Pathology system for radiology-pathology correlation