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Emergency department abdominal computed tomography for nontraumatic abdominal pain: optimizing utilization
Lucy Modahl1, Subba R Digumarthy, James T Rhea
1Department of Radiology, Nighthawk Radiology Services, Sydney, Australia. lmodahl@nighthawkrad.net <lmodahl@nighthawkrad.net>
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
|April 7, 2007
Summary
Positive computed tomography (CT) scan results in emergency departments are predicted by pediatric age, high white blood cell counts, and specific diagnoses. Positive CT scans often lead to hospital admission and can reveal unexpected findings.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is frequently used in emergency departments for patients with nontraumatic abdominal pain.
- Understanding predictors of positive CT yield and its impact on patient management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of positive computed tomography (CT) yield.
- To assess the impact of CT yield on patient disposition in the emergency department.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 604 patients undergoing CT for nontraumatic abdominal pain.
- Correlation of CT yield with age, gender, leukocyte count, pre-CT diagnosis, and patient disposition.
Main Results:
- 48% of CT scans had positive results.
- Positive CT yield was associated with pediatric age (76%), elevated leukocyte count (58%), and specified pre-CT diagnosis (52%).
- Positive CT results predicted hospital admission (67%) and identified unsuspected diagnoses in 27% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric age, leukocytosis, and a specified pre-CT diagnosis are indicators of positive CT yield.
- Positive CT results are a significant predictor of hospital admission.
- CT scans provide valuable, often unsuspected, diagnostic information that influences patient management.
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