Incidental Computed Tomography Findings Among Traumatized Adults: A One-Year Analysis at a Trauma Center

Abstract

Background Computed tomography (CT) for patients with trauma represents a widely accepted diagnostic method. Non-trauma-related incidentalomas or incidental findings are commonly depicted based on CT examination. Our study aimed to assess the frequency of incidental findings on CT scans among traumatized adult patients during one year at a trauma center. Methods We performed a retrospective case review of all adult patients triaged at the King Abdullah Medical Complex trauma service in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 31 May 2022 and 30 May 2023. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded from the study. Patients who could not complete radiographic studies due to deterioration in condition, patients with missing CT scan reports, and transfer patients who had CT scans done at outside facilities were excluded. Demographic data, including age, sex, type of trauma, and type of CT, were recorded. All CT studies were reviewed for incidental findings. Results A total of 106 incidental findings were discovered in 99 patients. The rate of incidental findings for one year was 1.87%. The average age was 41.19 ± 17.90 years, with 73 (73.7%) male and 26 (26.3%) female patients. In trauma classifications, road traffic accidents were the most common (59.60%), followed by falls (33.33%), penetrating trauma (3.03%), and others. A high number of scans for the whole body (56.57%); face, brain, and cervix (13.13%); chest and abdomen/pelvis (11%); and spine (5.05%) had incidental findings. Genitourinary-related incidental findings were observed in 27.36% of patients, followed by craniospinal (16.98%), pulmonary (12.26%), hepatobiliary (9.43%), endocrine (9.43%), and musculoskeletal (5.66%). Conclusion In trauma centers, incidental findings are frequently discovered during CT imaging. In contrast, our center has a lower incidental finding rate. A whole-body CT scan yielded more incident findings than a selective one. The incidental findings are prevalent in the genitourinary system and higher in young male patients. It is important to properly document, communicate, and follow up on these incidental discoveries.

Keywords: ct scan; findings; incidental; incidentaloma; trauma.

Figure 1. Distribution of incidental findings according to the body system