Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
2010-3-16
pubmed:abstractText
BACKGROUND There are limited data available on the ability of computed tomography (CT) to accurately diagnose abdominopelvic pathology in acutely ill inpatients suspected of having an acute abdominal process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal/pelvic CT with varying use of contrast agents in hospitalized patients. METHODS A retrospective review of all hospital inpatients (3/1/07-5/31/07) who underwent urgent or emergent abdominal/pelvic CT with any combination of contrast, intravenous (IV), oral, rectal, or unenhanced for a suspected acute abdominal process was performed. Data collected included demographics, combination of contrast used, CT diagnosis, time from CT scan to subsequent intervention, intervention type, and actual diagnosis of the acute abdominal process. Accuracy of CT was compared between enhanced and unenhanced imaging using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS A total of 661 patients were identified. Use of IV contrast alone was found in 54.2% of CT scans and was correct in 92.5% of cases. IV and oral contrast was used in 22.2% of CT scans and was 94.6% correct. Unenhanced imaging was performed in 16.2% and was correct in 92.5%. Oral contrast alone was used in 7.0% and was 93.5% correct. There was no significant difference in the ability to correctly diagnose a suspected acute abdominal process when enhanced CT imaging was compared to unenhanced (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CT contrast administration in critically ill hospitalized patients is not necessary to accurately diagnose an acute abdominal process. Eliminating the use of contrast may improve patient comfort, decrease patient risk, and minimize financial cost.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Apr
pubmed:issn
1432-2323
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
34
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
699-703
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2010
pubmed:articleTitle
CT scan for suspected acute abdominal process: impact of combinations of IV, oral, and rectal contrast.
pubmed:affiliation
Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI 49519, USA. hillbri3@msu.edu
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article