Yield of whole-body computed tomography at a low-volume emergency department

Abstract

Objectives: To share our experience with immediate whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) imaging for trauma patients and to determine its association with surgical intervention and hospital admission. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 208 trauma patients who presented to the emergency department and underwent WBCT at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between January 2014 and November 2018. We excluded pregnant patients and those who went into traumatic cardiac arrest or died before imaging. Results: Of all included patients, 48.6% were adults and 72.1% had positive findings; of these, 36.7% of patients were admitted for observation and 27.3% underwent operative interventions. Conclusion: Whole-body computed tomography is a useful tool to detect significant traumatic injuries in patients presenting to the emergency department. Moreover, it may assist physicians in determining the disposition of these patients. A clear set of criteria should be established to determine which trauma patients require WBCT imaging during initial resuscitation.