The prevalence of incidental findings on computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis in pediatric trauma patients

Abstract

Purpose: Computed tomography scans of the abdomen/pelvis (CTAP) in the adult population may reveal findings unrelated to the injury, such as a mass; the occurrence of incidental findings in pediatric patients remains unknown. This study aims to determine the percentage of pediatric trauma patients with incidental findings.

Methods: Data regarding consecutive 250 patients who underwent CTAP during their evaluation were retrieved from our level 1 pediatric trauma center trauma registry. Interpretations were reviewed for mention of incidental findings. Records for patients with incidental findings were examined to determine what further evaluation occurred.

Results: Nine patients were excluded due to incomplete records. Of the remaining 241 patients, 114 incidental findings were identified among 86 (35.7%) patients. There were 47 clinically significant incidental findings, occurring in 41 (17%) patients. Seven patients (8.1%) had further workup of their findings; Three (3.5%) went on to have an operation (two patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and one with high-riding testicle). No potential tumors were found in this population. Incidental findings were mentioned in 25.5% of discharge summaries.

Conclusions: Pediatric trauma CTAP reveals incidental findings at a lower rate than in their adult counterparts. Documentation of findings should be improved for optimal care of the injured child.

Keywords: CT abdomen/pelvis; Incidental findings; Pediatric trauma.