Is a Pan-CT Scan Protocol for Blunt Trauma Efficient?

Cost and adverse consequences of radiation exposure were not considered in this study.

The introduction of high-resolution multislice helical computed tomography (CT) has led to increased use of multisystem scanning to include the head, mid-face, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, with reconstructions of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Researchers evaluated the effects of a multislice CT (MSCT) protocol instituted at a trauma center in Vienna, Austria. They evaluated data for a cohort of 185 patients who underwent MSCT immediately upon arrival at the emergency department during the 2 years after the protocol was introduced and for 185 historical controls who were treated during the 2 years before. Patients were selected who had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥17 and more than one life-threatening injury of the head, thorax, or …

Reviewing Author

John A. Marx, MD, FAAEM, FACEP