Compelling evidence for discretionary brain computed tomographic: Imaging in those patients with mild cognitive impairment after blunt trauma

Objective: To identify computed tomographic-detected intracranial hemorrhage (CTIH) risk factors and outcome in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) blunt trauma patients. Methods: In 2,587 consecutive patients, 251 (9.7%) had CTIH. Results: Analysis is on 2,252 direct transports with 163 CTIH, because transfers were different (7.2 vs. 26.3%, p<0.001). CTIH rates for patients age 14-60 and >60 years were 6.3 and 15.9%, p=0.001. In those 14-60 years (n = 2,032), CTIH (n = 128) was independently related to arrival Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and cranial soft tissue injury (CSTI) (p = 0.0001). [GRAPHICS] Craniotomy was less than or equal to 0.6% in each group except GCS score of 13 with CSTI, 7.4%. Of those with CTIH, 98.4% survived. Of those at low risk (GCS score of 14 without CSTI and GCS score of 15), 1,504 had no CTIH. Of these, 64.4% were available for serial cognitive evaluation (noncranial injuries mandated hospitalization; tracheal intubation was not required). in those >60 years (n=220), CTIH (n=35) was independently related to GCS and CSTI (p=0.003). CTIH for GCS score of 15 without CSTI was 5.8%, but greater than or equal to 16% for others. One craniotomy was required. Of those with CTIH, 91.4% survived. Conclusions: In mild cognitive impairment patients triaged directly to a Level I trauma center, age, arrival GCS score, and cranial soft tissue injury are risk factors for CT-detected intracranial soft tissue injury are risk factors for CT-detected intracranial hemorrhage. Neurologic deterioration and death are infrequent. These data strongly suggest that observation and discretionary brain CT imaging are rational approach for blunt-injury mild cognitive impairment.