II. Definitions
- Incidentaloma
- Advanced imaging incidental finding that has unclear significance
III. Findings: Incidental
IV. 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
V. 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
VI. References
- McCollum in Herbert (2019) EM:Rap 19(5): 13-4
- Hitzeman (2014) Am Fam Physician 90(11): 784-9 [PubMed]