Prevalence of incidental pulmonary nodules on computed tomography of the thorax in trauma patients

• Published in: Internal medicine journal 2015-06, Vol.45 (6), p.630-633
• Main Authors: Hammerschlag, G., Cao, J., Gumm, K., Irving, L., Steinfort, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aspergillus; Female; Humans; incidental finding; Incidental Findings; lung neoplasm; Male; Middle Aged; multiple pulmonary nodule; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules - diagnostic imaging; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules - epidemiology; Prevalence; Radiography, Thoracic - methods; radiology; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Wounds and Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Wounds and Injuries - epidemiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1444-0903; 1445-5994
• DOI: 10.1111/imj.12755

Background/Aims Lung cancer is the third leading cause of death in high‐income countries. Early detection leads to improved clinical outcomes, with evidence showing that lung cancer screening reduces lung cancer mortality. Knowledge of the population prevalence of pulmonary nodules affects the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a local screening programme. Methods We performed a retrospective review of our trauma database looking for the prevalence of incidental pulmonary nodules on computed tomography of the thorax. Prevalence of nodules and follow up according to Fleischner Guidelines were reviewed. Results Two hundred and forty‐eight patients underwent a computed tomography thorax as part of their trauma assessment. 8.5% (21/248) had incidental pulmonary nodules. Eighty‐one per cent of these (17/21) required follow up according to the Fleischner Society Guidelines. One was subsequently diagnosed with primary lung cancer, one with metastatic sigmoid cancer and one with invasive aspergillus. Conclusions Incidental pulmonary nodules are common in the general population. This has implications for possible lung cancer screening recommendations in the Australian population. Referral and/or review systems are essential to ensure adequate follow up of incidental findings, as it is likely some patients are not receiving adequate follow up at present.