cross-reference-linking

name	cross-reference-linking
description	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