Comparison of the efficiency of the paediatric brain CTs with trauma and non-trauma related indications in the paediatric emergency department

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the appropriateness of the examinations by evaluating the pre-diagnosis of the patients who underwent brain Computed Tomography (CT) in the paediatric emergency departments and the existing pathologies in the brain CTs. In addition, a comparison of the efficiency of the brain CT examinations performed for trauma and non-traumatic reasons was made. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CT’s were examined by dividing into 2 groups according to the indications as trauma (group 1) and non-trauma related (group 2). The 2 groups were compared statistically according to the number of pathologies, distribution of pathologies by gender and age. RESULTS: Pathologies were detected in 9.3% (n = 30) of the patients in the first group and 21.2% (n = 14) of the patients in the second group. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of whether pathology was detected (p = 0.023). The rate of pathology detection in the group that underwent CT for non-traumatic reasons was statistically significantly higher than the other group. CONCLUSION: Precautions should be taken especially with trauma patients to prevent unnecessary CT scans in the paediatric emergency department. In addition, if a CT scan is planned in the paediatric emergency department with the approval of the paediatrician and radiologist, the CT examinations can be made with more accurate indications.