Low rates of eligibility for lung cancer screening in patients undergoing computed tomography coronary angiography.

Incidental findings, including pulmonary nodules, on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) are common. Previous authors have suggested CTCA could allow opportunistic screening for lung cancer, though the lung cancer risk profile of this patient group has not previously been established. Smoking histories of 229 patients undergoing CTCA at two tertiary hospitals were reviewed and only 25% were current or former smokers aged 55-80 years old. Less than half of this group were eligible for screening based on the PLCO risk model. We conclude that routine screening in the form of full thoracic field imaging, of individuals undergoing CTCA is not appropriate as it would likely result in net harm.