Post-mortem computed tomography improves completeness of the trauma registry: a single institution experience

Emergency Radiology
Scott D SteenburgAmy Rhodes

Abstract

To describe our institutional experience with post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and its impact on decedent injury severity score (ISS) and to assess the adequacy of emergently placed support medical devices. Over a 5-year period, patients who died at or soon after arrival and have physical exam findings inconsistent with death were candidates for inclusion. Whole body CT was performed without contrast with support medical devices left in place. ISS was calculated with and without the PMCT findings. PMCT results were compared to autopsy findings, if performed. The location of support medical devices was documented. A total of 38 decedents underwent PMCT, including 53.1% males and a mean age of 42.0 years. Pre-PMCT ISS based on physical exam findings alone was 5.2 (range 0-25), including 16 with ISS = 0. Post-PMCT ISS using the additional imaging data was 50.3 (range 21-75), including 15 with ISS = 50 or greater. Nearly half (47.4%) had at least one support medical device that was either malpositioned or suboptimally positioned, including 26.3% with malpositioned airway devices, 10.3% with malpositioned intra-osseous catheters, and 100% with malpositioned decompressive needle thoracotomies. PMCT adds value in identifying inj...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 3, 2019·Virchows Archiv : an International Journal of Pathology·Niccolò NorbertiStefano Colagrande
Feb 4, 2021·Emergency Radiology·Tatsuya NoriiDarren Braude

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