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Comparison of the Usefulness of Goal-Directed v Non—Goal-Directed Studies

Wishwa Kapoor, MD; Kaye Hemmer; David Herbert, MD; Michael Karpf, MD

Arch Intern Med. 1983;143(2):249-251.

Abstract
• We reviewed the indications for 210 consecutive abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. One-hundred sixty-six CT scans were done in a goal-directed fashion, whereas 44 were non—goal-directed as part of the evaluation of nonspecific abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss. Forty-three percent of CT scans done in a goal-directed fashion revealed new significant information as opposed to only 2% of non—goal-directed studies. Sixteen percent of goal-directed CT scans were normal as opposed to 41% of non—goal-directed CT scans. In at least 16% of cases, abdominal CT scans revealed data confirmatory of information obtained by other modalities. We conclude that abdominal CT scanning used in a non—goal-directed fashion is rarely helpful; however, goal-directed scanning often yields important information.

(Arch Intern Med 1983;143:249-251)

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Medicine (Drs Kapoor and Karpf and Ms Hemmer) and Radiology (Dr Herbert), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Sept 27, 1982.

Reprint requests to Falk Clinic, 3601 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Dr Kapoor).

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