Reliability of the evaluation of multidetector computed tomography images from the scanner's console in high-energy blunt-trauma patients

Abstract

To evaluate the reliability of a structured 5-min evaluation of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images from the scanner's console in high-energy trauma patients. Forty patients were scanned with four-slice MDCT using a standardized trauma protocol. Image evaluation covered the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The radiologist scrolled axial images on the scanner's console using three different window settings (lung, soft tissue, and bone) and performed a prospective structured evaluation of the traumatic lesions. The findings were compared to the final radiological diagnosis of the MDCT data made on a PACS workstation, the operative findings, and the clinical follow-up. Evaluation from the scanner's console enabled the diagnosis of all potential life-threatening injuries, the sensitivity for all injuries being 60% and specificity 98%. A PACS workstation is needed for the final diagnosis of all injuries, but this rapid screening method can reliably detect all injuries that require instant care.