ABSTRACT
While low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening (LCS) has been recognized for its effectiveness in reducing lung cancer mortality, it often simultaneously leads to the detection of incidental findings (IFs) unrelated to the primary screening indication. These IFs present diagnostic and management challenges, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety and further invasive diagnostic procedures for patients. This review article provides an overview of IFs encountered in LDCT, emphasizing their clinical significance and recommended management strategies. We categorize IFs based on their anatomical locations (intrathoracic-intrapulmonary, intrathoracic-extrapulmonary, and extrathoracic) and discuss the most common findings. We highlight the importance of utilizing guidelines and standardized reporting systems by the American College of Radiology (ACR) to guide appropriate follow-ups. For each category, we present specific IF examples, their radiologic features, and the suggested management approach. This review aims to provide radiologists and clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of IFs in LCS for accurate assessment and management, ultimately enhancing patient care. Finally, we outline a few key aspects for future research and development in managing IFs.
ABSTRACT
Red bone marrow and brain tissue are highly radiosensitive in children. We investigate the relationship between childhood computed tomography (CT) exposure and leukaemia, intracranial malignancy and lymphoma. All participants in the study were aged less than 16 years. A total of 1,479 patients in the leukaemia group, 976 patients in the intracranial malignancy group and 301 patients in the lymphoma group were extracted from the Catastrophic Illness Certificate Database in Taiwan as the disease group. In total, 126,677 subjects were extracted from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2010 of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database as the non-disease group. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for childhood CT exposure and times of childhood CT were estimated. Childhood CT exposure was correlated to the intracranial malignancy group in both one-year (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.40-2.71, p < 0.001) and two-year (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.04-2.33, p = 0.031) exclusion periods. The time of childhood CT was also correlated to intracranial malignancy in both one-year (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.34-2.13, p < 0.001) and two-year (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.17-2.04, p = 0.002) exclusion periods. The results indicated that childhood CT exposure was correlated with an increased risk of future intracranial malignancy.
