Incidental findings – knowing when they matter

Radiologists occasionally find something incidentally on ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI that is not related to the reason for study. Examples include an isolated renal cyst small focus of calcification in liver. Many these findings are no consequence, but radiologist's report often results referral a subspecialist, thus incurring unnecessary costs. Alternatively, incidental can identify conditions have significant health implications and early recognition has potential improve outcomes. As physicians we bear collective responsibility recognizing abnormal acting upon them when appropriate. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) one condition carries adverse outcomes children. It represents spectrum varying from simple infiltration hepatocytes (steatosis), inflammatory process (steatohepatitis) eventual fibrosis (cirrhosis). The progression silent NAFLD be advanced stage before coming medical attention. Early identification with appropriate management been shown long-term may recognized CT, MRI, hence modalities offer opportunity children at disease. In this volume Journal, Okura et al document prevalence steatosis found undergoing scans nephrolithiasis. Review 548 nephrolithiasis revealed up 7% moderate (Figure). However, only 29% cases did radiological finding, 25% those was abnormality subsequently documented clinical notes. Clearly failure part profession recognize problem, then intervene potentially prevent bad outcome. Knowing finding any test procedure relevant important, without first problem clear documentation both record, will instituted, fail provide optimal care our patients. Article page 92 ▸ Under-reporting Hepatic Steatosis Children: A Missed Opportunity DetectionThe Journal PediatricsVol. 234PreviewTo determine underreporting hepatic computed tomography (CT). Full-Text PDF