Cardiac CT Incidental Findings
CT imaging for cardiac calcifications has become quite popular with a lot of cardiac practices. In this exam, at times, there are incidental findings that may show up in other areas within the picture. The question is are these always significant and what procedures should be carried out.
Naturally there has been several research studies carried out to examine the issue. The main consensus is that most of the findings are insignificant, and these findings should be classified in the patient's record. The main findings are those of pulmonary nodules, which may or may not be cancerous.
Each instance is usually evaluated on a case by case basis. Generalized screenings are expensive and may not be warranted. In the studies performed, fewer than 2% of findings required further evaluation, and of those less than 10% required further intervention.
Patients should become involved with the decisions after an explanation of how common these incidental findings are. It should be up to the patient to choose if any further investigation is performed.