Incidental Findings on Pediatric Abdominal Computed Tomography At A Pediatric Trauma Center

TY - JOUR

T1 - Incidental Findings on Pediatric Abdominal Computed Tomography At A Pediatric Trauma Center

AU - Daoud, Youanna

AU - Philip, Alexander

AU - Altberg, Gal

AU - Leader, Hadassa

AU - Neuman, Jeremy

AU - Hahn, Barry

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2017 Elsevier Inc.

PY - 2017/11

Y1 - 2017/11

N2 - Background The increasing availability and use of computed tomography (CT) in pediatric abdominal trauma has increased the detection of incidental findings. While some of these findings are benign, others may require further evaluation for possible clinical importance. Objectives This study aimed to identify the frequency and type of incidental findings and their need for follow-up on abdominal CT in patients at a pediatric trauma center. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study on trauma patients ≤21 years of age who presented to the emergency department between January 1, 2004 and July 31, 2016 and underwent CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Findings were classified as benign anatomic variants, benign pathologic lesions, and pathologic lesions requiring additional work-up. Results There were 1073 patients included in the study population, with a mean age of 15.5 years; 707 (66%) were males. A total of 418 incidental findings were identified in 345 patients. Of these, 290 (69%) were benign and 60 (14%) were likely benign pathologic that required possible outpatient monitoring. Of those requiring additional evaluation, 5 (1%) patients warranted further evaluation before discharge. Conclusions Nearly one-third of patients had at least one radiographic finding unrelated to their injury. Of these, more than two-thirds did not require additional evaluation, but nearly one-third of patients required some form of further work-up.

AB - Background The increasing availability and use of computed tomography (CT) in pediatric abdominal trauma has increased the detection of incidental findings. While some of these findings are benign, others may require further evaluation for possible clinical importance. Objectives This study aimed to identify the frequency and type of incidental findings and their need for follow-up on abdominal CT in patients at a pediatric trauma center. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study on trauma patients ≤21 years of age who presented to the emergency department between January 1, 2004 and July 31, 2016 and underwent CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Findings were classified as benign anatomic variants, benign pathologic lesions, and pathologic lesions requiring additional work-up. Results There were 1073 patients included in the study population, with a mean age of 15.5 years; 707 (66%) were males. A total of 418 incidental findings were identified in 345 patients. Of these, 290 (69%) were benign and 60 (14%) were likely benign pathologic that required possible outpatient monitoring. Of those requiring additional evaluation, 5 (1%) patients warranted further evaluation before discharge. Conclusions Nearly one-third of patients had at least one radiographic finding unrelated to their injury. Of these, more than two-thirds did not require additional evaluation, but nearly one-third of patients required some form of further work-up.

KW - CT scan

KW - incidental findings

KW - trauma

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85030702054

U2 - 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.08.003

DO - 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.08.003

M3 - Article

C2 - 28987312

SN - 0736-4679

VL - 53

SP - 616

EP - 622

JO - Journal of Emergency Medicine

JF - Journal of Emergency Medicine

IS - 5

ER -