Incidental findings on computed tomography coronary angiography and its impact on respiratory services in a United Kingdom district general hospital

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography coronary angiography is used to assess for coronary artery disease but can also pick up non-cardiac pathology. Previous studies have assessed the frequency of non-cardiac pathology. We investigated the non-cardiac findings and resulting follow up in a District General Hospital. Methods: All computed tomography coronary angiography scans for 1 year were retrospectively collected. Basic demographics and the non-cardiac findings were recorded from electronic health records. The significant respiratory findings and the respiratory follow up of these non-cardiac findings were recorded. Results: A total of 503 scans were carried out in one year. Of these scans, 24% had non cardiac findings present. Older patients were more likely to have non cardiac findings. The most common non cardiac findings were lung nodules, emphysema and hiatus hernias. Significant respiratory findings were present in 35 cases, which generated 24 episodes of respiratory follow up. Some patients who met criteria for follow up had not been referred. Conclusions: Non cardiac findings are common on computed tomography coronary angiography and in our hospital these findings led to significant follow up in respiratory services.