Abdominal computed tomography. Comparison of the usefulness of goal-directed v non-goal-directed studies

We reviewed the indications for 210 consecutive abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. One-hundred sixty-six CT scans were done in a goal-directed fashion, whereas 44 were non-goal-directed as part of the evaluation of non-specific abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss. Forty-three percent of CT scans done in a goal-directed fashion revealed new significant information as opposed to only 2% of non-goal-directed studies. Sixteen percent of goal-directed CT scans were normal as opposed to 41% of non-goal-directed CT scans. In at least 16% of cases, abdominal CT scans revealed data confirmatory of information obtained by other modalities. We conclude that abdominal CT scanning used in a non-goal-directed fashion is rarely helpful; however, goal-directed scanning often yields important information.