Computed tomography as an adjunct to chest x-rays of intensive care unit patients

An analysis of 23 CT scans performed on 20 patients was carried out in an approximate 2-yr period. In 15 patients, CT scans were judged useful by subsequent clinical course when they indicated maintenance or alteration of existing treatment strategies. CT scans in five patients were not helpful. When judged by eventual outcome, the impact of CT scans remains uncertain. The influence of transportation is difficult to assess; it requires experienced team work and is contraindicated in cases where respiratory or circulatory stability might be seriously impaired.