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Incidental Imaging Finding
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Incidental Imaging Finding
, Incidentaloma
Definitions
Incidentaloma
Advanced imaging incidental finding that has unclear significance
Findings
Incidental
Pituitary Incidentaloma
Thyroid Nodule
Pulmonary Nodule
Hepatic Incidentaloma
Pancreatic Cyst
Adrenal Incidentaloma
Renal Cyst
Ovarian Mass
Types
Categories of findings
Probably normal
See Incidental findings as above
Provide written and oral precautions to discuss findings with primary provider
Uncertain significance
Additional imaging and evaluation will be needed
Recommend follow-up to discuss findings and further evaluation
Highly suspicious finding
Arrange immediate follow-up with either primary provider or specialist
Contact the provider (phone, EMR message)
Involve a family member if available and patient agrees
Precautions
Best prevention of Incidentalomas is to limit advanced imaging to only when specifically indicated
Incidental findings are common (4.5% to 33% of imaging reports), but <10-50% are notified in their discharge paperwork
Dutta (2013) Ann Emerg Med 62(2): 162-9 +PMID:23548405 [PubMed]
Munk (2010) J Emerg Med 38(3): 346-50 +PMID:18804935 [PubMed]
Thompson (2011) Emerg Med Int 2011:624847 +PMID: 22046542 [PubMed]
References
McCollum in Herbert (2019) EM:Rap 19(5): 13-4
Hitzeman (2014) Am Fam Physician 90(11): 784-9 [PubMed]
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