Diagnostic yield and utilization patterns of head and neck computed tomography angiography

This study evaluates the diagnostic yield and utilization patterns of head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTAHN) in screening patients in the emergency department (ED) for blunt cerebrovascular injury. This study was conducted at a Level 1 trauma center serving a large geographical area with a high number of regional transfers. This study evaluates the prevalence of CTAHN overutilization in the ED and examines whether diagnostic yield correlates with adherence to the modified Denver criteria, transfer status, and trauma severity.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting to the ED between January 01, 2021, and December 31, 2023. Patients over the age of 16 were included in this study if they presented with blunt traumatic injury and subsequently underwent CTAHN or neck CTA (CTAN) imaging during their ED evaluation. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CTA yield and factors including patient transfer status, trauma severity designation, and adherence to the modified Denver criteria.

A total of 643 patients met the inclusion criteria. A substantial proportion (74.2%) of CTAHN and CTAN examinations yielded negative results, with significant correlation to nonadherence to the modified Denver criteria. We found no significant association between CTAHN yield and transfer status or trauma level designation. Of the patients found to have trauma related actionable findings, 71.8% had adherence to the modified Denver criteria during triage screening.

A high proportion of CTAHN and CTAN studies ordered from the ED yield low-value diagnostic results, with overutilization closely linked to nonadherence to the modified Denver criteria. Our findings carry important implications for quality improvement efforts, including unnecessary radiation exposure to patients and reduced efficiency in the ED. Enhanced guideline compliance may serve as a modifiable target to reduce diagnostic imaging overutilization.