Retrospective analysis of whole-body multislice computed tomography findings taken in trauma patients

Ozlem Bingol; Cuneyt Ayrik; Ataman Kose; Seyran Bozkurt; Huseyin Narci; Didem Ovla; Meltem Nass Duce

doi:10.1016/j.tjem.2015.11.004

Ozlem Bingol¹, Cuneyt Ayrik¹, Ataman Kose¹, Seyran Bozkurt¹, Huseyin Narci¹, Didem Ovla², Meltem Nass Duce³

¹Department of Emergency Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
²Department of Biostatistics, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
³Department of Radiology, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey

Keywords: Emergency; Trauma; Whole-body multislice computed tomography

Abstract

Objectives

Using whole-body multislice computed tomography (MSCT) excessively or with irrelevant indications can be seen in many centers. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the MSCT findings in trauma patients admitted to the emergency department.

Methods

Records of the patients who have applied to the emergency department due to blunt trauma in a 12 month period and whose whole body MSCT images have been taken, were evaluated using the “Nucleus Medical Information System”.

Results

The most frequent type of trauma was traffic accidents in 61.4%, falling down from the height in 22.4%, and motorcycle accidents in 11.4% of patients. Of the patients, 25.2% were discharged from the emergency, while 73.8% were hospitalized. At least one CT findings associated with trauma was present in 61.4% of our patients. Pathological findings in MSCT were most frequently detected in the head and face (35.3%) and thoracic (28.6%) regions, respectively. The most common finding in the head and face region was fractures. The most common pathological findings in the thoracic region were pulmonary contusion and rib fractures. A significant relationship was detected between trauma type and spinal MSCT result (p < 0.001). In a large percentage of the patients, MSCT findings were normal in the abdominal region and genitourinary system. Vertebral fractures were most frequently detected in the thoracolumbar region.

Conclusions

In our study, our rate of negative CT was found to be 38.6%, which is a higher ratio compared to other studies conducte on this topic.