Use of early head CT following out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reynolds, Alexandra S.; Matthews, Elizabeth; Magid-Bernstein, Jessica; Rodriguez, Ashley; Park, Soojin; Claassen, Jan; Agarwal, Sachin
• Is Part Of: Resuscitation. Volume 113(2017)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest -- Imaging -- Head CT; Resuscitation -- Periodicals; Resuscitation -- Periodicals; Réanimation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2016.12.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9572

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Neurological emergencies can lead to cardiac arrest, and post-arrest patients can develop life-threatening neurological abnormalities. This study aims to estimate and characterize the use of early head CT (HCT), and its potential impact on post-resuscitation management. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 213 adults who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and survived for at least 24 h. Demographics were collected and arrest-related variables were documented. Timing of HCT was recorded and if abnormalities were found on HCT within 24 h of resuscitation, any resulting changes in management were recorded. Outcome was measured by cerebral performance category at discharge. Results: Only 54% of patients who survived OHCA underwent HCT in the first 24 h after resuscitation. Patients who underwent HCT were healthier and had better pre-arrest functional status and shorter duration of arrest. Acute abnormalities were found on 38% of HCT and 34% of these abnormal scans resulted in management changes. Conclusions: Early HCT is not consistently performed after OHCA and may be heavily influenced by a patient's premorbid status and duration of arrest. Early HCT can demonstrate acute abnormalities that can result in significant changes in patient management.