Incidental findings of coronary computed tomography angiography

The use of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is increasing in Denmark, which leads to more incidental extracardiac findings (ECF), especially lung nodules. While ECF often need further investigation, only a small percentage is ultimately confirmed to be cancer. This study investigates ECF found on CCTA and presents information about patients ultimately diagnosed with cancer.

This registry-based retrospective study included data from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022 from the Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology at the North Denmark Regional Hospital. The patients' personal identification numbers (CPR numbers) were used to obtain data in the electronic patient journal systems. The ECF and characteristics of the patients with cancer are presented in tables using descriptive statistics.

In the study period, 2,635 patients underwent CCTA. ECF were identified in 643 patients and were predominantly lung nodules (40.9%). A total of 406 patients (63.1%) were referred for an acute lung cancer conference and/or to a control programme. Among patients who underwent CCTA (2,635), 17 (0.65%) were diagnosed with cancer.

ECF are common incidental findings in CCTA. However, in our study, only 0.65% of the ECF were subsequently identified as cancer.

None TRIAL REGISTRATION. The use of the data in this quality assurance study was approved by the participating hospitals and by the Data Responsible Unit of the North Denmark Region (approval No. K2023-066).