Trauma and 'Whole' Body Computed Tomography: Role, Protocols, Appropriateness, and Evidence to Support its Use and When

Abstract

Imaging plays a crucial role in the immediate evaluation of the trauma patient, particularly using multi-detector computed tomography (CT), and especially in moderately to severely injured trauma patients. There are specific areas of relative consensus, while other aspects of whole-body computed tomography (WB-CT) use remain controversial and are subject to opinion/debate based on the current literature. Even a few hours of a delayed diagnosis may result in a detrimental outcome for the patient. One must utilize all the tools available to enhance the interpretation of images. It is also important to recognize imaging pitfalls and artifacts to avoid unnecessary intervention.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Bowel injury; Diaphragmatic injury; Dual-energy CT in trauma; Structured reporting; Vascular injury; Whole body CT in trauma.