Time to CT scan for Poly-trauma Patients: King Saud University Medical City Experience

Author(s):

AlRabiah A, AlMass A* and Alanizi Y

Background: Total body CT scanning is the diagnostic method in polytrauma patients. The guideline suggested that rapid scanning will improve mortality rates in polytrauma patients. Our aim is to determine the time to do CT for severe polytrauma patients presenting to King Saud University Hospital Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Retrospective study for 9 months, all dates were reviewed for all polytrauma patients who underwent pan CT scanning and managed in the Emergency Department at KSUMC. Trauma registry dates were collected for all eligible patients, including arrival time, pan CT scan order Time, pan CT scanning time, time until CT imaging completed, time until CT image reporting, final transfer to surgery wards or SICU, also the type and severity score of the injury, based on ISS. Subgroup analyses were performed to differentiate between the severities of any type of injury. Excluding criteria was: Pregnancy, Children less than 14 years old, trauma patients with isolated penetrating injury to one region (not including gunshot wounds), or patient underwent CPR, or need an immediate operation.

Results: 114 eligible patients included in the study population. The mean age was 32. RTA was the most cause of injury with a range of GCS 3-15. The mean length of stay was 12 days. CT acquisition times were median 130 mins to completion. Time to completion was faster for multiple-body area injuries, intubated patients and those which caused by RTA.

Conclusion: The 130 min to completion of trauma CT scans comparable with some international reports that were ranged from 93 to 102. Our results will serve a baseline to improve our center.