Incidental findings in blunt trauma patients: prevalence, follow-up documentation, and risk factors.

Purpose: The frequency of computed tomography (CT) imaging of trauma patients has given rise to an increase in the discovery of incidental findings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and documentation of follow-up recommendations of incidental findings during the initial trauma evaluation. Secondarily, trauma patients with and without incidental findings were compared.

Introduction of a pan-scan protocol for blunt trauma activations: what are the consequences?

Study Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if the introduction of a pan-scan protocol during the initial assessment for blunt trauma activations would affect missed injuries, incidental findings, treatment times, radiation exposure, and cost.

Methods: A 6-month prospective study was performed on patients with blunt trauma at a level 1 trauma center. During the last 3 months of the study, a pan-scan protocol was introduced to the trauma assessment.