ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mechanism of injury (MOI) plays a significant role in a decision to perform whole-body computed tomography (CT) imaging for trauma patients. Various mechanisms have unique patterns of injury and therefore form an important variable in decision making. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all patients >18 years old who received a whole-body CT scan between 1 January 2019 and 19 February 2020. The outcomes were divided into CT 'positive' if any internal injuries were detected and CT 'negative' if no internal injuries were detected. The MOI, vital sign parameters, and other relevant clinical examination findings at presentation were recorded. RESULTS: 3920 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 1591 (40.6%) had a positive CT. The most common MOI was fall from standing height (FFSH), accounting for 23.0%, followed by motor vehicle accident (MVA), accounting for 22.4%. Covariates significantly associated with a positive CT included age, MVA >60 km/h, motor bike, bicycle, or pedestrian accident >30 km/h, prolonged extrication >30 min, fall from height above standing, penetrating chest or abdominal injury, as well as hypotension, neurological deficit, or hypoxia on arrival. FFSH was shown to reduce the risk of a positive CT overall, however, sub-analysis of FFSH in patients >65 years showed a significant association with a positive CT (OR 2.34, p < 0.001) compared to <65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-arrival information including MOI and vital signs have significant impact on identifying subsequent injuries with CT imaging. In high energy trauma, we should consider the need for whole-body CT based on MOI alone regardless of the clinical examination findings. However, for low-energy trauma, including FFSH, in the absence of clinical examination findings which support an internal injury, a screening whole-body CT is unlikely to yield a positive result, particularly in the age group <65yo.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries , Trauma Centers , Humans , Adolescent , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Risk AssessmentABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) is the standard of care for acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. However, isolated occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was underrepresented in the landmark trials. AIMS: Given the potential treatment benefit associated with M2 MCA occlusions, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing ECR for M2 occlusion. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature that included patients with M2 MCA occlusions who underwent ECR. Successful reperfusion was defined as a treatment in cerebral ischaemia score of 2b-3. Good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2. We also analysed complications such as post-procedure symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and mortality at 3 months. RESULTS: Fifteen studies including 1105 patients with isolated M2 occlusions were analysed. Successful reperfusion occurred in 75.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67.7-84.1%) of patients; good outcome was observed in 58.3% (95% CI 51.7-63.8% of patients. The rate of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage was 5.1% (95% CI 4.2-8.3%), and 3-month mortality rate was 12.2% (95% CI 10.4-16.3%). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of ECR treatment of M2 occlusions are favourable, with good safety profile. Comparison to medical management from large registries or randomised controlled trials is warranted.
