Incidental Extrapulmonary Findings in Low-Dose CT of the Thorax

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of extrapulmonary findings in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the thorax. Methods: Patients who were referred to the radiology department by the department of pulmonary medicine between June 2016 and January 2018 for LDCT examination to assess either a certain or a potential pulmonary disease were identified. Images were retrospectively re-evaluated and findings were categorized according to organ system (Total of 8 groups including cardiac, vascular, mediastinal, abdominal, skeletal, thyroidal, breast and muscular-soft tissue). The LDCT was performed by using a 64-detector CT scanner with scanning parameters standardized as 120 kVp and 20 mAs with 3 mm slice thickness. Results: 102 patients (41 female, 61 male) aged between 25 and 90 years (mean age: 54.5±14.3 years) were included in the final assessment. 87 (85.3%) out of 102 patients had total 245 incidental extrapulmonary findings. Abdominal pathologies were the most common findings (62 patients (60.8%)). Overall, 26 extrapulmonary findings led to further work-up or consultation. Conclusion: Incidental extrapulmonary findings can be detected commonly in LDCT of the thorax. Radiologists should be aware of evaluating all the structures in the scanning area by following a systematic approach in the reading of such studies in order to identify possible pathologies and guide the clinician for the accurate management of patients.