An assessment of repeat computed tomography utilization in the emergency department in the setting of blunt trauma

link.springer.com November 30, 2019

Two CT scans performed during blunt trauma encounters demonstrated mixed benefit and were associated with an increased hospital LOS. Additionally, IV contrast was associated with lower rates of AKI. Of 5787 patient encounters, 5335 (93.4%) received IV contrast and 75 (1.3%) received two CT scans.

Lower rates of AKI were associated with IV contrast (2.5 vs 12.5%). Receiving two CT scans was associated with increased rates of AKI (20.0 vs 3.0%; p < 0.0001), ICU admissions (88.0 vs 25.1%; p < 0.0001), and hospital LOS (21.9 vs 1.4 days; p < 0.0001). Of the repeat CT scans, 59.4% demonstrated no significant difference and did not require blood products or the operating room.