Das polytraumatisierte Kind

Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Tomography and Whole-Body Computed Tomography in Pediatric Polytrauma Diagnostics—A Retrospective Long-Term Two-Center Study

“…In addition, the usage of scooters or mopeds should not be underestimated in this age range [ 26 ]. This finding is in line with previous research which found that children < 6 years suffer accidents more often as pedestrians, car passengers, or due to falls from great heights [ 14 , 26 ]. Nau et al described that children at the ages of 5 to 8 are beginning to act independently and are therefore more endangered, while not being able to comprehend dangerous situations [ 3 , 14 ].…”

“…This finding is in line with previous research which found that children < 6 years suffer accidents more often as pedestrians, car passengers, or due to falls from great heights [ 14 , 26 ]. Nau et al described that children at the ages of 5 to 8 are beginning to act independently and are therefore more endangered, while not being able to comprehend dangerous situations [ 3 , 14 ]. School-aged children, from seven to twelve years old, start to undertake activities within traffic areas and are more affected by accidents as pedestrians or bicyclists.…”

“…Although the principle of radiology, “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA), is generally accepted, literature describes cases in which CT is still used for primary diagnosis, without the need for consecutive intervention [ 24 ]. Therefore, the major advantage of the WBMR is to prevent radiation exposure in contrast to WBCT, resulting in eliminating the radiation risks of scan-related cancer, particularly highlighted in the youngest age groups [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. For choosing an imaging method, several studies confirm that the age of a child should be more frequently considered, in addition to the child’s state of consciousness and the clinical findings, instead of merely relying on mechanisms of injury [ 2 , 10 , 24 ].…”

“…Motorized accidents in road traffic are described as the main trauma cause in 80 to 90% of severe injuries in polytraumatized children [ 3 , 14 ]. This finding was confirmed in our observation, resulting in a high Injury Severity Score after these severe trauma mechanisms.…”

“…However, quick and thorough imaging of the whole body via WBCT entails radiation risks, such as an increased incidence of scan-related cancer, especially with decreasing patient age [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Thus, in the course of rising awareness in reducing radiation exposure, implementation of whole-body magnetic resonance tomography (WBMR) as an alternative for CT for primary imaging, after pediatric high-energy trauma, appears logical [ 14 ]. Comparable to body-imaging with WBCT, WBMR can be used to detect bone lesions and hemorrhage in addition to injuries of inner organs.…”