The Frequency of Random Findings on Abdominal/Pelvis Computed Tomography in Pediatric Trauma Patients

Aim: In this study, we aimed to find the percentage of random pathologies and abdominopelvic region anomalies that are not related to trauma in pediatric patients. Background: An abdominal assessment of an injured child usually involves computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) to determine the presence and size of injuries. Imaging may accidentally reveal irrelevant findings. Objective: Although the literature in adults has reviewed the frequency of discovering these random findings, few studies have been identified in the pediatric population. Methods: Data on 142 (38 female, 104 male) patients who underwent CTAP during their trauma evaluation between January 2019 and January 2020 were obtained from our level 3 pediatric trauma center records. The records and CTAP images were examined retrospectively for extra traumatic pathologies and anomalies. Results: 67 patients (47%) had 81 incidental findings. There were 17 clinically significant random findings. No potential tumors were found in this population. Conclusion: Pediatric trauma CTAP reveals random findings. For further evaluation, incidental findings should be indicated in the discharge summaries.