Focal Incidental Upper Abdominal Findings on Unenhanced Chest Computed Tomography That Do Not Require Further Imaging: a Roadmap for the Thoracic Radiologist

Overview

Journal Radiol Bras

Specialty Radiology

Date 2022 Jul 7

PMID 35795597

Authors

Henrique Pavan

Tiago Severo Garcia

Felipe Soares Torres

Fernando Ferreira Gazzoni

Luciano Folador

Caroline Lorenzoni Almeida Ghezzi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Chest scans usually include the upper abdomen, leading radiologists to evaluate the upper abdominal structures. The aim of this article is to summarize the most common incidental upper abdominal findings that do not require further imaging or management in patients undergoing unenhanced computed tomography of the chest for the investigation of thoracic symptoms or diseases. We review common incidental findings of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, kidney, and retroperitoneum, as well as findings that mimic other lesions. Thoracic radiologists should be aware of such typical findings and report when no further investigation is needed, thus avoiding unnecessary imaging examinations, protecting patients from additional medical interventions, and allaying patient concerns.

Citing Articles

Comparing thoracic and abdominal subspecialists' follow-up recommendations for abdominal findings identified on chest CT.

Zhao A, Glazer D, Hammer M, Burk K, DiPiro P, Khorasani R Abdom Radiol (NY). 2023; 48(4):1468-1478.

PMID: 36732409 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03821-4.

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