[Whole body spiral CT in primary diagnosis of patients with multiple trauma in emergency situations].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a fast whole body helical CT scanner for primary diagnosis in trauma patients.


METHODS
27 severely injured patients (9 women, 18 men; mean age 43 years) were first examined with a helical CT scanner allowing for digital radiograms up to a length of 1024 mm and continuous helical scans of up to 70 seconds (slice thickness 3 to 10 mm, pitch factor up to 2). The primary CT diagnosis was verified either by x-ray after the CT examination or during the subsequent days, by abdominal ultrasound, by additional CT scans in the following days, and by clinical follow-up.


RESULTS
CT showed all clinically relevant injuries of the head, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis. The diagnosis and classification of vertebral fractures was performed immediately. 4% of the fractures of the extremities and the ribs were not seen primarily. 6% of the injuries were outside the CT scan field.


CONCLUSIONS
Helical CT is a reliable and fast method to obtain vital information and to improve management planning in severely injured patients. It reduces the number of conventional x-ray examinations. In certain cases, additional x-rays of extremity fractures may be required.
Löw
R
R
Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz.
Düber
C
C
Schweden
F
F
Lehmann
L
L
Blum
J
J
Thelen
M
M
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004630:Emergencies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography