Prevalence of incidental pulmonary nodules on computed tomography of the thorax in trauma patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lung cancer is the third leading cause of death in high-income countries. Early detection leads to improved clinical outcomes, with evidence showing that lung cancer screening reduces lung cancer mortality. Knowledge of the population prevalence of pulmonary nodules affects the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a local screening programme. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our trauma database looking for the prevalence of incidental pulmonary nodules on computed tomography of the thorax. Prevalence of nodules and follow up according to Fleischner Guidelines were reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-eight patients underwent a computed tomography thorax as p..