AGA guidelines boldly suggest high value care for incidental CT findings

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new guidelines on the management of asymptomatic neoplastic pancreatic cysts found incidentally during computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The author of a commentary being published in Annals of Internal Medicine explains how the AGA's bold new recommendations will affect the way physicians consider diagnostic testing. The new guidelines back away from previous recommendations that were more aggressive. Rather than promote invasive work-up, surveillance, or surgery for typical patients, the AGA guidelines restrict aggressive follow up to patients with more high-risk features. The author suggests that learning to use restraint with medical tests could help to minimize harms and costs while preserving benefit.

INFORMATION:

The summary above was included in yesterday's tip sheet from Annals of Internal Medicine and embargoed for Monday, March 30 at 12:01 a.m. The embargo for this commentary has been lifted, as the related guideline, American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Asymptomatic Neoplastic Pancreatic Cysts, has been posted online at http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085%2815%2900100-6/abstract.

Information from the commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine can be used immediately in coverage of this topic. To speak with the lead author, Dr. Russ Harris, please contact Sonya Sutton at ssutton@unc.edu.