Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging

Manuscript Structure

When preparing your manuscript for submission, please make sure all required components are included and properly organised. The title page should be submitted as a separate file to maintain a blinded review process and must include the full title of the paper, names of all authors with their affiliations, complete contact details of the corresponding author, total number of figures, tables, graphs, etc. A cover letter, also submitted separately, should briefly introduce your study to the Editor-in-Chief, highlight its importance, and confirm that it follows all journal guidelines.

The manuscript should include an abstract, which provides a clear and concise summary of the study, following the format required as per the article type. The main text forms the core of the paper and should be divided into standard sections. The introduction explains the background, research problem, and objectives. The methods section describes how the study was conducted, including design, participants, and procedures, in enough detail for others to replicate it. The results section presents the findings clearly, often supported by tables and figures. The discussion interprets the results, explains their significance, compares them with existing research, and mentions any limitations. Finally, the conclusion summarises the main findings and may suggest future directions.

A declaration or ethical statement section should be included after the conclusion to thank individuals or organisations that contributed to the work but do not meet authorship criteria. This section must include an ethical statement, author contributions, conflict of interest, funding statement, acknowledgements, and data availability statement​​​​​. Tables, figures, graphs, and charts should be placed on separate pages after the references, each with a clear and appropriate heading. Make sure all visuals are of high quality to ensure good clarity and readability.

Formatting Specification 

To ensure consistency and facilitate the peer review and production process, all manuscripts submitted to IJMI must adhere to the following technical formatting guidelines. Non-compliance may result in the return of the manuscript for correction before peer review.

• Font Size: Use Times New Roman, 12-point font throughout the entire document.
• Line Spacing: The manuscript must be single-spaced.
• Margins: Set page margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides (top, bottom, left, right).
• Text Alignment: All body text must be fully justified.
• Page Numbering: Include continuous page numbers, preferably in the footer (e.g., 1, 2, 3...) right-sided.
• Figure Table Numbering: Number all Figures and Tables sequentially in the order they are first cited in the text (e.g., Fig. 1, Table 1, Fig. 2, Table 2). Each must have a concise, descriptive caption.

Article Type and Specifications

The Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging welcomes a broad range of scholarly contributions that advance knowledge and practice in medical imaging, radiography, radiological sciences, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), artificial intelligence in imaging, and related healthcare disciplines. Authors should select the article category that best matches the nature and scope of their work and adhere to the specific requirements outlined below.

1. Original Research Articles

Original Research Articles report novel scientific findings derived from experimental, observational, clinical, technical, or methodological investigations. These manuscripts should present clearly defined research objectives, rigorous methodology, valid statistical analyses, and meaningful conclusions that advance medical imaging science and practice.

Structured Abstract: Original Research Articles should include a structured abstract of 250–300 words under the following headings: Background, Objectives, Materials and Methods, Results, and Conclusion. The abstract should clearly summarize the purpose of the study, methodology, key findings, and major conclusions without the use of references, tables, or figures.

Manuscript Structure: Manuscripts should be organised under the following main sections: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Declarations, and References. The Declarations section should include information on ethical approval, consent, funding, conflict of interest, author contributions, acknowledgements, and data availability where applicable. References must be prepared according to the journal's prescribed citation style.

2. Review Articles (Narrative Review and Mini Review)

Review Articles provide a comprehensive and critical evaluation of existing literature on a specific topic. These articles should synthesise current evidence, identify research gaps, discuss emerging trends, and provide future research directions. Reviews should be scholarly, balanced, and supported by relevant literature.

Recommended Structure: Review Articles should generally follow the structure: Introduction, Literature Review, Critical Analysis and Discussion, Future Perspectives, Conclusion, Declarations, and References. The Introduction should provide the background and objectives of the review, while the Literature Review summarises current evidence on the topic. The Critical Analysis and Discussion section should evaluate existing findings, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss their significance. Future Perspectives should highlight emerging trends and research opportunities. The manuscript should conclude with a concise summary of key findings. A Declarations section must be included where applicable, followed by References formatted according to the journal's prescribed citation style.

3. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses provide a structured synthesis of available evidence addressing a clearly defined research question. Manuscripts must follow internationally recognised reporting guidelines such as PRISMA 2020 and should describe the search strategy, study selection process, quality assessment, and statistical analysis in sufficient detail.

Structured Abstract: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses should include a structured abstract of 250–300 words under the following headings: Background, Objectives, Data Sources, Study Selection, Results, and Conclusion. The abstract should briefly describe the rationale for the review, the research question, data sources searched, study selection criteria, key findings, and the overall conclusions of the review. References, tables, and figures should not be included in the abstract.

Manuscript Structure: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses should be organised under the following sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Limitations, Conclusion, Declarations, and References. The Introduction should define the research question and objectives, while the Methods section should describe the search strategy, eligibility criteria, study selection process, data extraction, and quality assessment methods. The Results section should present the findings of the review and meta-analysis, followed by a Discussion that interprets the results in the context of existing evidence. Authors should clearly acknowledge study limitations and provide a concise Conclusion summarizing the key findings and implications. A Declarations section should include ethical considerations (if applicable), funding, conflicts of interest, author contributions, acknowledgements, and data availability statements. References must be formatted according to the journal’s prescribed citation style.

Reporting Guideline: Authors submitting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses must adhere to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure transparency, completeness, and methodological rigour. A completed PRISMA 2020 Checklist and a PRISMA Flow Diagram illustrating the study selection process must be submitted as supplementary files along with the manuscript. Submissions that do not comply with PRISMA reporting standards may be returned to authors for revision before peer review.

4. Case Reports

Case Reports describe rare, unusual, educational, or clinically significant cases that provide important diagnostic, therapeutic, or imaging-related insights. Reports should highlight the uniqueness of the case and discuss its relevance to clinical practice.

Manuscript Structure: Case Reports should be organised under the following sections: Introduction, Case Presentation, Discussion, Conclusion, Patient Consent Statement, Declarations, and References. The Introduction should provide the background and significance of the case, while the Case Presentation should describe the patient's clinical history, diagnostic findings, interventions, and outcomes. The Discussion should highlight the clinical relevance of the case and compare it with existing literature. The Conclusion should summarise the key learning points and implications for practice. A Patient Consent Statement confirming informed consent for publication must be included. The manuscript should also contain a Declarations section covering ethical considerations, conflict of interest, funding, author contributions, acknowledgements, and data availability where applicable, followed by References formatted according to the journal's prescribed citation style.

Ethical Requirement: Written informed patient consent for publication must be obtained and clearly stated within the manuscript.

5. Case Series

Case Series present a collection of related clinical cases that demonstrate emerging trends, novel imaging findings, innovative techniques, or disease patterns. The report should provide a comparative analysis and discuss the broader implications of the findings.

Requirements

Structured Abstract: Case Series should include a structured abstract of 200–250 words under the following headings: Background, Case Descriptions, Results/Findings, and Conclusion. The abstract should briefly describe the clinical context, summarise the cases included, highlight key findings or observed patterns, and present the main conclusions and clinical implications.

Manuscript Structure: Case Series manuscripts should be organised under the following sections: Introduction, Case Descriptions, Results or Comparative Analysis, Discussion, Conclusion, Patient Consent Statement, Declarations, and References. The Introduction should provide the background and rationale for reporting the series. The Case Descriptions should present relevant clinical details of each case. The Results or Comparative Analysis section should summarise common findings, outcomes, or trends across cases. The Discussion should interpret the findings in relation to existing literature and clinical practice. The Conclusion should highlight the key lessons and implications of the case series. A Patient Consent Statement confirming informed consent for publication must be included. The manuscript should also contain a Declarations section covering ethical approval (if applicable), conflict of interest, funding, author contributions, acknowledgements, and data availability, followed by References formatted according to the journal’s prescribed citation style.

6. Technical Notes and Short Communications

Technical Notes and Short Communications are concise reports describing innovative imaging techniques, protocol modifications, software developments, quality assurance methods, pilot studies, or preliminary research findings. The focus should be on novelty, practicality, and potential clinical or technical applications.

Technical Notes and Short Communications should be organised under the following sections: Introduction, Technical Description or Methodology, Applications and Significance, Conclusion, Declarations, and References. The Introduction should briefly describe the background and purpose of the work. The Technical Description or Methodology section should clearly explain the technique, procedure, innovation, or preliminary findings. Applications and Significance should highlight the practical relevance, potential benefits, and future implications of the work. The Conclusion should summarise the key points and overall significance of the study.

7. Editorial

Short opinion or perspective articles that discuss important developments, emerging trends, policy updates, or current issues relevant to medical imaging and radiological sciences. 

Mandatory Declaration Section

All manuscripts, where applicable, must include a Declarations section immediately after the Conclusion and before the References. This section should contain statements regarding Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate, Author Contributions, Conflict of Interest,  Funding, Acknowledgements, and Data Availability. These declarations promote transparency, research integrity, and compliance with ethical publishing standards, allowing readers to clearly understand the ethical considerations, sources of support, individual author roles, and accessibility of the underlying research data.

Reference Formatting: Vancovour/NLM

General Principles: Sequential numbering by first text citation, Journal abbreviations per Index Medicus, DOI inclusion when available, Access dates for online resources

Author Listing Protocol: 1-3 authors: List all, 3+ authors: First 3 + "et al."

Reference Examples:

1. Journal Article: Smith AB, Jones CD, Lee EF, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of ultra-high-resolution CT for pulmonary nodules. Radiol Imaging. 2024;12(3):145-152. doi:10.1007/s10278-024-00989-x
2. Book: Webb WR, Higgins CB. Thoracic Imaging: Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Radiology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams Wilkins; 2023.
3. Book Chapter: Miller FH. MRI of the liver. In: Gazelle GS, Saini S, Mueller PR, eds. Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Radiology. New York, NY: Thieme; 2024: 234-267.
4. Online Resource: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer. Version 3.2024. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf. Published March 15, 2024. Accessed December 11, 2024.