The benefit of routine thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic computed tomography to evaluate trauma patients with closed head injuries - 26/08/11
Abstract |
Background |
The evaluation of multitrauma patients for blunt truncal injuries remains open for debate. We sought to evaluate the role of routine computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis as a screening tool for patients already undergoing cranial CT studies.
Methods |
Charts of blunt trauma patients admitted from June 2000 to June 2001 were reviewed for demographics, Glascow Coma Scale (GCS), physical and radiological findings, and length of stay.
Results |
Our study found that 38% of patients undergoing cranial CT scanning had a unexpected finding on body scans. Changes were made in 26% of the study group because results found on the adjuvant CTs.
Conclusions |
Additional body CTs add minimal cost to the care of trauma patients but can significantly change the management. We believe it is beneficial to perform routine body CT examinations when performing cranial imaging for blunt head injury.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Computed tomography, Blunt trauma, Closed head injury, Physical examination
Plan
Vol 186 - N° 6
P. 609-614 - décembre 2003 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Patients with impending abdominal compartment syndrome do not respond to early volume loading
- Zsolt Balogh, Bruce A McKinley, Christine S Cocanour, Rosemary A Kozar, Charles S Cox, Frederick A Moore
- Objective indications for early tracheostomy after blunt head trauma
- Kevin M Major, Thomas Hui, Matthew T Wilson, Mark D Gaon, M.Michael Shabot, Daniel R Margulies
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?