Incidental findings in the thyroid gland on computed tomography images of the oral and maxillofacial region

Abstract

The numbers of abnormal findings incidentally detected in adjacent regions are increasing with advances in imaging modalities. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and characteristics of incidental findings in the thyroid gland on computed tomography (CT) images of the oral and maxillofacial region. CT scans of the oral and maxillofacial region in patients obtained between January 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Images that revealed incidental findings in the thyroid gland, including nodules, were recorded, together with the sizes and characteristics of the findings. The Japan Association of Breast and Thyroid Sonology (JABTS) guidelines were used for classification. The rate of descriptions of these findings in the radiographic interpretation reports were also examined. Of the 1,135 patients examined, 326 (28.7%) had several types of incidental findings. In particular, 169 (14.9%) of the 1,135 patients had nodules >5 mm in diameter, for which further careful examination is recommended in the JABTS guideline. The description rate for nodules >5 mm in diameter in the radiographic interpretation reports was 30.8% (52/169 patients), of whom 17.3% (9/52 patients) were referred to the endocrinology department for further careful examination. Incidental findings in the thyroid gland were relatively common on CT images of the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral radiologists tend to focus specifically on the oral and maxillofacial region during diagnosis on oral and maxillofacial CT images, but should pay the same careful attention to observe adjacent regions, such as the thyroid gland.

Incidental findings on CT scans for robot‐assisted total joint arthroplasty

“…Previous studies have demonstrated such incidental findings are present across multiple disciplines such as emergency medicine, oncology and craniofacial surgery 3,5–7 . For example, Khasawneh et al .…”

“…studied CT scans of the oral and maxillofacial regions and quantified incidental findings of the thyroid gland. The authors found that of the 1135 patients examined, 326 (28.7%) had incidental findings 5 . Thompson et al .…”

“…3,4 Previous studies have demonstrated such incidental findings are present across multiple disciplines such as emergency medicine, oncology and craniofacial surgery. 3,[5][6][7] For example, Khasawneh et al studied CT scans of the oral and maxillofacial regions and quantified incidental findings of the thyroid gland. The authors found that of the 1135 patients examined, 326 (28.7%) had incidental findings.…”

“…The authors found that of the 1135 patients examined, 326 (28.7%) had incidental findings. 5 Thompson et al reviewed 682 CT scans of patients treated in a Level I Trauma Center emergency department. In 228 (33.4%) of the scans, 348 incidental findings were reported, with only 34 (9.8%) being reported in the patient's discharge paperwork.…”