Significant incidental cardiac disease on thoracic CT: what the general radiologist needs to know

Maren Krueger1, Paul Cronin2, Mohamed Sayyouh2

  • 1Fulford Radiology, Base Hospital, Private Bag 2016, New Plymouth, Taranaki, 4342, New Zealand.

Insights Into Imaging
|February 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Radiologists can identify significant cardiac conditions on chest CT scans. This review helps recognize and manage these incidental findings, improving patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Incidental cardiac findings are common on chest CT scans.
  • Some findings may indicate clinically significant cardiac disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illustrate and describe common significant cardiac findings on non-electrocardiographically gated thoracic CT.
  • To guide radiologists in managing these incidental cardiac discoveries.

Main Methods:

  • Pictorial review of chest CT studies.
  • Focus on non-electrocardiographically gated thoracic CT.

Main Results:

  • Detailed imaging appearances of frequent significant cardiac findings.
  • Management recommendations for identified cardiac conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Familiarity with recognizing significant cardiac findings on thoracic CT is crucial.
  • Radiologists should feel confident in directing the management of incidental cardiac disease.
Abstract

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