Incidental Findings on Pediatric Abdominal Computed Tomography At A Pediatric Trauma Center

The increasing availability and use of computed tomography (CT) in pediatric abdominal trauma has increased the detection of incidental findings. While some of these findings are benign, others may require further evaluation for possible clinical importance.

This study aimed to identify the frequency and type of incidental findings and their need for follow-up on abdominal CT in patients at a pediatric trauma center.

This was a retrospective, observational study on trauma patients ≤21 years of age who presented to the emergency department between January 1, 2004 and July 31, 2016 and underwent CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Findings were classified as benign anatomic variants, benign pathologic lesions, and pathologic lesions requiring additional work-up.

There were 1073 patients included in the study population, with a mean age of 15.5 years; 707 (66%) were males. A total of 418 incidental findings were identified in 345 patients. Of these, 290 (69%) were benign and 60 (14%) were likely benign pathologic that required possible outpatient monitoring. Of those requiring additional evaluation, 5 (1%) patients warranted further evaluation before discharge.

Nearly one-third of patients had at least one radiographic finding unrelated to their injury. Of these, more than two-thirds did not require additional evaluation, but nearly one-third of patients required some form of further work-up.