[Imaging in the emergency room].
In order to reduce mortality in severely injured patients, a rapid radiologic diagnosis is essential. Sonography plays a role only as a focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) to clarify free intraperitoneal fluid immediately on admittance. Today, whole-body multislice helical computed tomography (CT) has become increasingly important as a diagnostic tool. Based on the results of the CT scan, patients can be referred for laparotomy or safely classified for "wait and see" treatment. Although the reduction in injury-related mortality would outweigh the risk of radiation dose, the indiscriminate use of CT for patients with minor injuries is not justified and must be avoided.
Abteilung Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Deutschland. Jost.Kloth@med.uni-heidelberg.de
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D000465:Algorithms; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005858:Germany; D006465:Hemoperitoneum / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D051598:Whole Body Imaging