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Neuroradiology

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01-11-2018 | Spinal Neuroradiology

Incidental findings on cervical spine computed tomography scans: overlooked and unimportant?

Authors: Elham Beheshtian, Sadaf Sahraian, David M. Yousem, Majid K. Khan

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 11/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Imaging of the cervical spine for trauma or degenerative disease includes multiple areas of the head and neck that may harbor incidental findings. We sought to determine the incidence of common “incidentalomas” on cervical spine CT scans, their importance, and how often these lesions are mentioned in reports.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cervical spine CTs and reports of all patients scanned between October 2017 and January 2018 for Tornwaldt cysts (TC), thyroglossal duct cysts and remnants (TGDC), laryngoceles (LC), pharyngoceles (PC), carotid artery calcified stenosis (CACS), and aberrant right subclavian arteries (ARSA). Descriptive statistics were performed, and the incidence of cancers (in PC and LCs) and strokes (in high-grade carotid stenosis) was assessed.

Results

Among 2116 patients, the incidences of findings were TC 6.6% (138/2100), TGDC 6.3% (122/1770), LC 9.4% (197/2100), PC 6.4% (135/2100), CACS 4.7% (100/2114), and ARSA 0.86% (18/2097). Of the 2116 patients studied, 600/2116 (28.3%) had at least one incidental finding. Only 2.9% (20/701) of incidentalomas were mentioned in the official reports.

Conclusion

Cervical incidentalomas vary in rates from ARSA (0.86%) to LC (9.4%). They are rarely mentioned in radiologists’ reports. Whether improved vigilance and reporting of these incidentalomas would benefit patient care should be explored.

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Title: Incidental findings on cervical spine computed tomography scans: overlooked and unimportant?
Authors: Elham Beheshtian
Sadaf Sahraian
David M. Yousem
Majid K. Khan
Publication date: 01-11-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-018-2080-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Incidental findings on cervical spine computed tomography scans: overlooked and unimportant?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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