1 research outputs found
Whole Body CT Imaging in Deceased Donor Screening for Malignancies
Background. In most western countries, the median donor age is increasing. The incidence of malignancies in older
populations is increasing as well. To prevent donor-derived malignancies we evaluated radiologic donor screening in a retrospective donor cohort. Methods. This study analyzes the efficacy of a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan
on detecting malignancies. All deceased organ donors in the Netherlands between January 2013 and December 2017
were included. Donor reports were analyzed to identify malignancies detected before or during organ procurement. Findings
between donor screening with or without CT-scan were compared. Results. Chest or abdominal CT-scans were performed in 17% and 18% of the 1644 reported donors respectively. Screening by chest CT-scan versus radiograph resulted
in 1.5% and 0.0% detected thoracic malignancies respectively. During procurement no thoracic malignancies were found in
patients screened by chest CT compared with 0.2% malignancies in the radiograph group. Screening by abdominal CT-scan
resulted in 0.0% malignancies, compared with 0.2% in the abdominal ultrasound group. During procurement 1.0% and 1.3%
malignancies were found in the abdominal CT-scan and ultrasound groups, respectively. Conclusions. Screening by
CT-scan decreased the perioperative detection of tumors by 30%. A preoperative CT-scan may be helpful by providing additional information on (aberrant) anatomy to the procuring or transplanting surgeon. In conclusion, donor screening by CT-scan
could decrease the risk of donor-derived malignancies and prevents unnecessary procurements per year in the Netherlands