Abstract
Objective
Computed tomography (CT) has become an important tool for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal
and chest injuries in patients with blunt trauma. The role of CT in conscious asymptomatic
patients with a suspicious mechanism of injury remains controversial. This controversy
intensifies in the management of pediatric blunt trauma patients, who are much more
susceptible to radiation exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
role of abdominal and chest CT imaging in asymptomatic pediatric patients with a suspicious
mechanism of injury.
Methods
Forty-two pediatric patients up to 15 years old were prospectively enrolled. All patients
presented with a suspicious mechanism of blunt trauma and multisystem injury. They
were neurologically intact and had no signs of injury to the abdomen or chest. Patients
underwent CT imaging of the chest and abdomen as part of the initial evaluation.
Results
Thirty-one patients (74%) had a normal CT scan. Two patients of 11 with an abnormal
CT scan required a change in management and were referred for observation in the Intensive
Care Unit. None of the patients required surgical intervention.
Conclusion
The routine use of CT in asymptomatic pediatric patients with a suspicious mechanism
of blunt trauma injury is not justified.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: April 21, 2014
Accepted:
April 7,
2014
Received:
March 19,
2014
Footnotes
☆Disclosure: The authors declare that they have no commercial associations, financial disclosures, or other competing interests with regard to this article. There are no sources of funding.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
