Research Information System
Nigerian journal of clinical practice, vol.25, no.4, pp.496-501, 2022 (Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded)
Background: Whole‑body computerized tomography (CT) scan designed as early
diagnosis of traumatic injuries and prevention of unnoticeable injuries. Using
Whole‑body CT in trauma patients still controversial, there is no consensus on
indications. Aims: The aim of this study is to clarify indications and cut‑off levels
in vital parameters in trauma patients who undergo Whole‑body CT to prevent
unnecessary or negative scans. Patients and Methods: We evaluated patients with
trauma who applied our emergency service between 01.09.2019 and 30.09.2020.
Patients above 18 years old with Whole‑body CT scan included. Whole‑body CT
reports were evaluated according to five categories; cranial‑face, vertebra, thorax,
abdomen, pelvis‑bone. Results: The review of whole‑body CT reports, 46.3%
detected normally. But, 53.7% of patients had injuries at least one zone, 23.3%
at least two zones, and 7.4% at least three zones respectively. Prediction criteria
of Whole‑body CT for the patients with two or three zones injury, systolic blood
pressure (SBP) ≤100 mm Hg, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) <15, and free fluid
in Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) were independent
variables in regression analysis. When patients had at least one of three variables,
the negative predictive value of whole‑body CT was 96% for three zones and 91%
for two zones. Conclusion: The cut‑off values of GCS <15 and SBP ≤100 mm Hg
were useful vital parameters in making whole‑body CT decisions in trauma
patients in the emergency service. Also, free fluid detection in FAST can be used
for whole‑body CT decisions.