Potential clinical and economic consequences of noncardiac incidental findings on cardiac computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the incidence, clinical significance, and potential financial impact of noncardiac incidental findings (IF) identified with cardiac computed tomography (CT).


BACKGROUND
Cardiac CT is gaining acceptance and may lead to the frequent discovery of extracardiac IF.


METHODS
Consecutive patients undergoing cardiac CT had noncardiac structures evaluated after full field of view (32 to 50 cm) reconstruction. IF were categorized as clinically significant (CS), indeterminate, or clinically insignificant. Patient follow-up was performed by telephone, and verified with hospital records and/or communication with physicians.


RESULTS
Of 966 patients (58 +/- 16 years of age, 55.4% men, >98% outpatients), 401 (41.5%) patients had noncardiac IF. A total of 12 (1.2%) patients had CS findings, and 68 (7.0%) patients had indeterminate findings. At follow-up (18.4 +/- 7.6 months), none of the indeterminate findings became CS. Although 3 patients with indeterminate findings were diagnosed with malignant lesions, they were unrelated to the IF. After adjusting for age, IF were not an independent predictor of noncardiac death. Noncardiac death and cancer death in patients with and without IF were not statistically different. One patient suffered a major complication related to the investigation of an IF. The total direct cost associated with investigating IF was Canadian $57,596 (U.S. $83,035).


CONCLUSIONS
Although noncardiac IF are common, clinically significant or indeterminate IF are less prevalent. Rates of death were similar in patients with and without IF, and IF was not an independent predictor of noncardiac death. The investigation of IF is not without cost or risk. Larger studies are required to assess the potential mortality benefit of identifying IF.
Machaalany
Jimmy
J
Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Yam
Yeung
Y
Ruddy
Terrence D
TD
Abraham
Arun
A
Chen
Li
L
Beanlands
Rob S
RS
Chow
Benjamin J W
BJ
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017722:Hospital Charges / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*