Incidental findings in CT colonography: literature review and survey of current research practice

J Law Med Ethics. 2008 Summer;36(2):320-31, 213. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-720X.2008.00276.x.

Abstract

Incidental findings (IFs) of potential medical significance are seen in approximately 5-8 percent of asymptomatic subjects and 16 percent of symptomatic subjects participating in large computed tomography (CT) colonography (CTC) studies, with the incidence varying further by CT acquisition technique. While most CTC research programs have a well-defined plan to detect and disclose IFs, such plans are largely communicated only verbally. Written consent documents should also inform subjects of how IFs of potential medical significance will be detected and reported in CTC research studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Colonic Diseases / classification
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / trends*
  • Disclosure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Informed Consent*
  • Male
  • Research Subjects*