The alcohol-intoxicated trauma patient: impact on imaging and radiation exposure.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of alcohol intoxication in trauma patients in regard to its impact on application of computed tomography (CT) and associated radiation exposure.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from a continuous patient cohort.

Inclusion Criteria: admission to the emergency room of an urban Level 1 trauma center with trauma team activation during a 12-month period (Jan 1st-Dec 31st 2012).