Trauma Computed Tomography in the Modern Era: Not Always Quick and Safe

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Radiology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) is the primary diagnostic tool for trauma patients.
• Its safety in hemodynamically unstable patients is increasingly recognized.
• The frequency of adverse events (AE) during trauma CT is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of adverse events during trauma CT scans.
• To identify factors associated with adverse events in trauma patients undergoing CT.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection over 6 months at a Level 1 trauma center.
• Inclusion of all patients requiring a trauma team activation (TTA).
• Recording of adverse events and time intervals from TTA notification to return from CT.

Main Results:

• Nearly half (47.9%) of 94 patients experienced at least one adverse event.
• Patients with AE had longer scan times and were away from the resuscitation bay for extended periods.
• Vasopressor use and transfusion requirements were linked to adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Adverse events are frequent in emergent trauma CT scans.
• A standardized trauma CT protocol could improve scanning efficiency and safety.