Screening Pediatric Trauma Patients for Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury Using the McGovern Score: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Reyna G Osorio ¹, Adam B Johnson ², Lucas P Neff ³

⁰Departments of Pediatrics.

Pediatric Emergency Care +

|

January 14, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The McGovern score improved blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) detection in pediatric trauma patients, showing high sensitivity and specificity. However, its implementation led to increased imaging utilization.

Area Of Science

Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Trauma Surgery
Vascular Imaging

Background

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) affects ~1% of pediatric blunt trauma patients, carrying significant risks.
The McGovern score is a pediatric-specific screening tool for BCVI.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the McGovern score for BCVI detection.
To assess the impact of McGovern score implementation on imaging use and BCVI diagnosis in pediatric trauma.

Main Methods

Retrospective cohort study comparing pediatric blunt trauma patients before and after McGovern score implementation.
Analysis of patient characteristics, imaging studies (CTA/MRA), and outcomes (BCVI, stroke, mortality).

Main Results

Post-implementation, imaging for BCVI increased from 2.0% to 5.0% (P=0.003).
BCVI detection rose from 0.3% to 1.9% (P=0.007).
In the post-implementation group, McGovern score sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 96.7%.

Conclusions

McGovern score implementation increased BCVI detection in pediatric trauma.
The score demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity.
A significant increase in imaging use was observed post-implementation.

Keywords:

blunt cerebrovascular injury computed tomography angiography mortality stroke