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The prevalence of incidental findings on computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis in pediatric trauma patients

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Computed tomography scans of the abdomen/pelvis (CTAP) in the adult population may reveal findings unrelated to the injury, such as a mass; the occurrence of incidental findings in pediatric patients remains unknown. This study aims to determine the percentage of pediatric trauma patients with incidental findings.

Methods

Data regarding consecutive 250 patients who underwent CTAP during their evaluation were retrieved from our level 1 pediatric trauma center trauma registry. Interpretations were reviewed for mention of incidental findings. Records for patients with incidental findings were examined to determine what further evaluation occurred.

Results

Nine patients were excluded due to incomplete records. Of the remaining 241 patients, 114 incidental findings were identified among 86 (35.7%) patients. There were 47 clinically significant incidental findings, occurring in 41 (17%) patients. Seven patients (8.1%) had further workup of their findings; Three (3.5%) went on to have an operation (two patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and one with high-riding testicle). No potential tumors were found in this population. Incidental findings were mentioned in 25.5% of discharge summaries.

Conclusions

Pediatric trauma CTAP reveals incidental findings at a lower rate than in their adult counterparts. Documentation of findings should be improved for optimal care of the injured child.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. C. Onwubiko

    Present address: Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Fegan 3, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    C. Onwubiko & D. P. Mooney

Authors
  1. C. Onwubiko
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  2. D. P. Mooney
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. P. Mooney.

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Conflict of interest

Chinwendu Onwubiko and David Mooney declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Onwubiko, C., Mooney, D.P. The prevalence of incidental findings on computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis in pediatric trauma patients. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 44, 15–18 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-017-0798-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-017-0798-2

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