• Marcus Hörmann, Martina Scharitzer, M Philipp, Viktor M Metz, and F Lomoschitz.
• Department of Radiology, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. marcus.hoermann@univie.ac.at
• Eur J Radiol. 2003 Oct 1; 48 (1): 125-32.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe and discuss first experiences with multidetector CT (MDCT) in the assessment of traumatized children.Material And MethodsSince the implementation of a MDCT scanner in April 2002, 85 children (31 girls, 54 boys with a mean age of 9.2 years) consecutively underwent MDCT (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with different protocols depending on age, weight, trauma mechanism and clinical presentation. In all patients in whom pathology was suspected, multiplanar reformations (MPR) in coronal and or sagittal orientation was performed. Examinations were evaluated by two radiologists retrospectively and in consensus.ResultsIn 55 (65%) children, a MDCT solely of the head was performed, in 46 there was no pathology found. In six (7%), head and facial bones were scanned. Head and abdomen was examined in two (2%), in two (2%) the abdomen only and in one (1%) the pelvis solely. Scans of the spine were obtained in seven (8%) children. A thorax and abdomen examination only was obtained in one (1%) child each. In 11 (13%) children, a polytrauma protocol was performed. In all patients, the time of examination did not exceed 17 min, including setup time. All children survived at the writing of this report.ConclusionMDCT was promising in the management of traumatized children and seems to shorten the necessary time to reach diagnosis and to initiate life-saving treatment.

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