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via Medscape Radiology Incidental Findings Common After Cervical Spine CT for Trauma Evaluation [Registration required, Free]

More than one in six CT scans for trauma evaluation will have incidental abnormalities beyond the cervical spine, according to a report in the March issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.*

“When radiologists are looking at a specific body part for a specific reason, it is easy to target or limit one’s search or to stop looking for additional findings once one has made a diagnosis,” Dr. Shella Farooki from Columbus Radiology Corp., Columbus, Ohio, told Reuters Health. “We as radiologists need to continually challenge ourselves to be cognizant and actively look for what else might be present.” Dr. Farooki and colleagues assessed incidental findings and non-injury-related pathological findings discovered in trauma patients undergoing CT of the cervical spine and examined the clinical importance and relevance of such findings. “Radiologists should look for incidental findings when reviewing studies and should document the findings appropriately in the radiology report,” Dr. Farooki concluded. “If appropriate, the radiologist can recommend additional or further imaging studies. The most important aspect is communication to the referring physician so that followup and appropriate management can occur.”

Duh!

Note to self: Add this to the “Medical News of the Obvious” category.

* Am J Roentgenol 2009;192:725-729 [abstract]