On the edge: Incidental thoracic findings on non-thoracic exams

Congress:

2023 ASM

Poster Number:

C-56

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Anatomy, Cardiac, Thorax, CT, Education, Other

Authors:

J. Sison, A. Rubinowitz, B. Gosangi, C. Gange, L. Traube, T. Elkady, A. Bader

DOI:

10.26044/ranzcr2023/C-56

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ranzcr2023/C-56

Learning objectives

We will review incidental findings at the lung apices and bases that can be encountered on non-thoracic CT examinations. Discussion of appropriate management for these findings, including when to recommend additional imaging, will also be included. It is our hope that this presentation will better equip radiology trainees and practicing radiologists alike to read incidental thoracic findings on examinations of other body regions.

Background

Computed tomography (CT) protocols involve scanning regions just beyond the borders of the intended area of concern due to complex human anatomy. Common examples include the lung apices on CT examinations of the neck and the lung bases on CT examinations of the abdomen. This practice can reveal incidental findings within the visualized chest. Since theinterpreting radiologist is responsible for "the entire image," he or she must therefore be able to detect and interpret those findings and clearly communicate what, if any, further follow-up is...

Imaging findings OR Procedure details

Although radiology as a whole is moving toward subspecialty-specific reads, even those who only read within their subspecialty will often encounter incidental findings on the edges of their studies. As the interpreting radiologist, we are still responsible for these findings and must make sure patients receive the appropriate workup and management. Our objective is to provide a review of incidental thoracic findings commonly encountered "on the edge" and to provide radiologists with the knowledge needed to give appropriate clinical guidance. We will structure our presentation...

Conclusion

Although radiology has trended toward subspecialization, clinical practice demands familiarity with findings outside the domain of a single subspecialty. These may present diagnostic challenges to the radiologist. Knowledge of thoracic conditions that can be encountered "on the edge" of examinations is essential to fulfilling the ethos of being responsible for "the entire image" and ensuring that findings are communicated to referring physicians and their patients.

Personal information

References

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