Researchers of a study analyzed data from the National Lung Screening Trial to investigate the connection between incidental respiratory findings on low-dose CT (LDCT) scans and respiratory disease mortality, excluding lung cancer. Researchers observed that these incidental findings were common on LDCT scans and found that they were linked to higher mortality rates from respiratory diseases. Specifically, emphysema and reticular opacities (including honeycombing/fibrosis/scar) seen on LDCT scans were associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease-related deaths. The study suggests that these incidental findings can be indicative of underlying respiratory issues and should be taken into account during screenings and medical assessments.

Reference: Welsh ET. Incidental respiratory findings on low-dose CT lung cancer screening common. Published April 28, 2022. Accessed October 12, 2023. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20220428/incidental-respiratory-findings-on-lowdose-ct-lung-cancer-screening-common