• F A Fellner, J Krieger, N Lechner, and D Flöry.
• Zentrales Radiologie Institut, AKH Linz - Kepler Universitätsklinikum/JKU, Krankenhausstr. 9, 4020, Linz, Österreich, franz.fellner@akh.linz.at.
• Radiologe. 2014 Sep 1; 54 (9): 872-9.

Clinical/Methodical IssuePatients with severe, life-threatening trauma require a fast and accurate clinical and imaging diagnostic workup during the first phase of trauma management.Standard Radiological MethodsEarly whole-body computed tomography has clearly been proven to be the current standard of care of these patients.Methodical InnovationsA similar imaging quality can be achieved in the multiple trauma setting compared with routine imaging especially using rapid, latest generation computed tomography (CT) scanners.PerformanceThis article encompasses a detailed view on the use of CT in patients with life-threatening trauma. A special focus is placed on radiological procedures in trauma units and on the methods for CT workup in routine cases and in challenging situations. Another focus discusses the potential of dose reduction of CT scans in multiple trauma as well as the examination of children with severe trauma.AchievementsVarious studies have demonstrated that early whole-body CT positively correlates with low morbidity and mortality and is clearly superior to the use of other imaging modalities.Practical RecommendationsOptimal trauma unit management means a close cooperation between trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists and radiologists, whereby the radiologist is responsible for a rapid and accurate radiological workup and the rapid communication of imaging findings. However, even in the trauma setting, aspects of patient radiation doses should be kept in mind.

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