[Extra - cardiac findings on coronary computed tomography scanning]

ABSTRACT

Multi-detector-row computed tomography [MDCT] has emerged as method for non-invasive imaging of the heart. To investigate the frequency of the non cardiac findings in cardiac imaging with MDCT. Atotal of 191 patients underwent cardiac imaging with 64-slice MDCT over a period of 8 months. The detected abnormalities were classified in major [implying an immediate workup and treatment or at least a further investigation] and minor abnormalities. Extra cardiac abnormalities were detected on 69 examinations [36%]. Major abnormalities were found in 17% of the patients, and the minor abnormalities in 25,6%. The scan revealed 4 cases of lung carcinomas, all at a still surgical stage. There were a significant number of non cardiac findings in cardiac MDCT. To avoid missing clinically important findings, we should carefully evaluate all the organs included in the scan