Optimizing Chest X-ray Indication in Blunt Trauma Patients using Clinical Criteria

Background There is an excessive number of unnecessary chest X-rays (CXRs) in minor blunt trauma patients. Objective To identify, using routine clinical criteria, a subgroup of blunt trauma patients that do not require CXR for assessment. Materials and methods This was a retrospective analysis of trauma registry data collected over a 24-month period. Adult blunt trauma patients undergoing CXR on admission were analyzed. The following clinical criteria were assessed: Normal neurologic examination on admission (NNEx), hemodynamic stability (HS), normal physical examination of the chest on admission (NCEx), age ≤ 60 years, and absence of distracting injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale >2 in head, abdomen, and extremities). These clinical criteria were progressively merged to select a group with lowest risk of exhibiting abnormal CXR on admission. Results Out of 4,647 patients submitted to CXR on admission, 268 (5.7%) had abnormal findings on scans. Of 2,897 patients admitted with NNEx, 116 (4.0%) had abnormal CXR. Of 2,426 patients with NNEx and HS, 74 (3.0%) had abnormal CXR. Of 1,698 patients with NNEx, HS, and NCEx, 24 (1.4%) had abnormal CXR. Of 1,347 patients with NNEx, HS, NCEx, and age < 60 years, 12 had thoracic injury (0.9% of total individuals receiving CXR). A total of 4 patients underwent chest drainage. Among 1,140 cases with all clinical criteria, 8 had confirmed thoracic injuries and 2 underwent chest drainage. Conclusion A subgroup of blunt trauma patients with low probability of exhibiting abnormalities on CXR at admission was identified. The need for CXR in this subgroup should be reviewed. How to cite this article Pivetta LGA, Parreira JG, Below C, Rondini GZ, Perlingero JAG, Assef JC. Optimizing Chest X-ray Indication in Blunt Trauma Patients using Clinical Criteria. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):30-34.