Stephen Iver Zink MD, Presenter: Researcher, Schering AG (Berlex Inc), Montville, NJ

Michael Thomas O'Loughlin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Barry Stein MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, General Electric Company Consultant, Vital Images, Inc Speakers Bureau, Schering AG (Berlex Inc)

Charles Primiano MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the frequency of incidental non-cardiac findings on Cardiac CT angiography and determine clinical significance of these findings.

Waiver of patient consent was obtained from IRB. Upon arrival of a new 64-slice CT scanner, cardiac CT exams were read jointly by a radiologist and a cardiologist. All coronary CTA exams performed from 8/04/05 through 4/10/06 were prospectively reviewed in a blinded fashion for non-cardiac findings in the visualized thorax and upper abdomen. 301 patients were evaluated including 255 coronary CTA exams as well as 46 non-contrast cardiac calcium score CT exams. There were 176 males and 125 females with an average patient age = 57.8 years. All non-cardiac findings were documented on a comprehensive non-cardiac findings data sheet. Significant findings included any findings that required additional imaging, intervention or other clinical follow-up.

In the 301 patients, 292 non-cardiac findings were found in 167 (55.5%) of patients. 116 significant findings were seen in 72 (23.9%) of patients. Some patients had multiple significant findings. Common categories of findings included: pulmonary nodules in 59 (19.6%), other lung disease such as cavitating lesions, patchy opacities, diffuse ground glass opacities in 50 (16.6%), liver lesions in 30 (10.0%), adenopathy in 19 (6.3%), vascular abnormalities in 17 (5.6%), soft tissue and bony abnormalities in 16 (5.3%), pleural effusions in 9 (3.0%), thyroid lesions in 5 (1.7%), and pulmonary emboli in 2 (0.7%).

There are a significant number of non-cardiac findings seen on Cardiac CTA. Close scrutiny of the entire CT data set is strongly recommended.

The prevalence and significance of non-cardiac findings demonstrated on cardiac CTA should influence interpretation guidelines that require readers to examine the complete Cardiac CT data set.

Zink, S, O'Loughlin, M, Stein, B, Primiano, C, Incidental Non-Cardiac Findings Prospectively Seen on Cardiac CT Angiography (CTA).  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4434343.html