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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Radiology report language positively influences adrenal incidentaloma guideline adherence
Jessica Watari1, Shivani Vekaria1, Yong Lin2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
Background:
Adrenal incidentalomas are common radiographic findings. Guidelines recommend biochemical and radiographic surveillance of adrenal incidentalomas. We investigated if patients were appropriately referred for outpatient evaluation.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with adrenal masses on imaging between November 7, 2016 and November 7, 2017. Demographic information, medical history, and outpatient referral information was collected.
Results:
11,723 computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and/or abdomen/pelvis were performed. 246 patients were noted to have adrenal incidentalomas and met inclusion criteria. The CT report recommended follow-up in 63/246 cases (25.6%). 38/246 (15.4%) patients were referred for evaluation. Age, adrenal nodule size, and type of evaluating provider did not affect referral. A radiology report recommending follow-up was associated with increased referral rate (OR 5.441, 95% CI: 2.491-11.887).
Conclusion:
There was low outpatient referral for adrenal incidentalomas. Language in the radiology report significantly influenced referral rates and may be an important resource for improving guideline adherence.
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