Incidental Extrapulmonary Findings in Low-Dose CT of the Thorax

Authors : Zeynep Nilüfer TEKİN, Ali TÜRK, Suha ALZAFER, Zeynep BİLGİ, Tuna DEMİRBAŞ, Özlem BARUTCU

Pages : 96-101

Doi:10.31067/acusaglik.961768

View : 38 | Download : 16

Publication Date : 2022-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of extrapulmonary findings in low-dose computed tomography insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(41 female, 61 male); aged between 25 and 90 years insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(mean age: 54.5±14.3 years); were included in the final assessment. 87 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(85.3%); out of 102 patients had total 245 incidental extrapulmonary findings. Abdominal pathologies were the most common findings insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(62 patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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.
Keywords : Low dose computed tomography, thorax, extrapulmonary findings, incidental