The Low-Dose Panscan in Trauma

Low-dose whole-body CT in trauma patients did not result in higher rates of missed injury and radiation exposure was halved, compared with standard-dose CT.

Although the benefit of whole-body computed tomography (CT) or “panscan” for patients with trauma is not entirely clear, it has become increasingly common (NEJM JW Emerg Med Aug 2016 and Lancet 2016; 388:673). To reduce the risk associated with ionizing radiation, some institutions have implemented protocols for lower-dose CT, but their effect on missed diagnoses is not known.

Researchers prospectively analyzed rates of missed diagnoses before and after an institution in Germany switched to a low-dose whole-body CT protocol for patients with blunt trauma. Missed injury was defined as any injury that required awareness or intervention but was not noted in the preliminary radiology read.

The analysis included 468 patients who received standard-…

Reviewing Author

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

The Low-Dose Panscan in Trauma

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Reviewing Author