Table 3.

Management of common incidental findings

FINDINGRECOMMENDATION
Severe coronary artery calcification

  • Optimize cardiac risk factors

  • If symptomatic: coronary artery disease workup or cardiology consultation

Moderate or severe aortic valve calcification

  • Echocardiogram to rule out aortic stenosis

  • Cardiology consultation if indicated

Moderate or severe pulmonary emphysema

  • Pulmonary function test. If result is abnormal: optimize COPD management

  • Respirology consultation if indicated

Pulmonary fibrosis

  • > 5% in any lung zones: pulmonary function test. Respirology consultation if result is abnormal

Bronchiectasis

  • Respirology consultation if symptomatic

Renal abnormality

  • Abdominal ultrasound or CT if not cystic

Adrenal nodule

  • Abdominal CT with adrenal protocol if enlarging or ≥ 40 mm; biochemical test if clinical signs or symptoms of pheochromocytoma or Cushing syndrome

Breast mass

  • Mammography or ultrasound

Thyroid nodule

  • ≥ 15 mm on long axis: dedicated thyroid ultrasound

  • COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, CT—computed tomography.

    Data from the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program,34 Munden et al,35 and Berland et al.36