From the Guidelines
A pan CT refers to a computed tomography scan that covers the body from the head down to the pelvis, including the head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, with reformats used for the thoracolumbar spine. This definition is based on the most recent and relevant evidence available, specifically from the study published in 2012 in the Intensive Care Medicine journal 1.
Key Points About Pan CT
- It is a comprehensive imaging procedure that scans multiple body regions in a single session.
- The scan typically includes the head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
- Reformats are used for the thoracolumbar spine to provide detailed images of this area.
- Pan CTs are often used in emergency situations to quickly assess patients with multiple injuries or to evaluate symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, as noted in the context of adult obtunded blunt trauma patients 1.
Clinical Application
The use of pan CT in clinical practice is guided by its ability to provide a rapid and comprehensive assessment of the body's internal structures. This is particularly valuable in situations where time is critical, and multiple injuries or conditions need to be evaluated simultaneously.
Radiation Consideration
While pan CTs deliver higher radiation doses than scans focused on single regions, the diagnostic benefits can outweigh the risks, especially in emergency situations or when the alternative is multiple separate scans 1.
From the Research
Definition of Pan CT
- Pan CT, also known as whole-body computed tomography or pan-scan, refers to a comprehensive imaging technique that involves scanning the entire body, including the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, to diagnose and evaluate injuries in trauma patients 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Purpose of Pan CT
- The primary purpose of pan CT is to quickly and accurately identify injuries in trauma patients, allowing for timely and effective treatment interventions 3, 5.
- Pan CT is particularly useful in cases of blunt trauma, where multiple injuries may be present, and a rapid diagnosis is crucial to prevent further complications 2, 4, 6.
Components of Pan CT
- A typical pan CT scan includes imaging of the following areas:
- Head
- Neck
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- These scans can help identify a range of injuries, including fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Benefits of Pan CT
- Pan CT has been shown to be an effective diagnostic tool in trauma patients, allowing for the detection of significant injuries that may not be apparent through other means 3, 5.
- The use of pan CT can lead to changes in patient management, including alterations in treatment priorities and the identification of unexpected injuries 5, 6.
- Pan CT can also contribute to increased diagnostic confidence among trauma surgeons, leading to better patient outcomes 5.