Comparison of Trauma Mortality and Estimated Cancer Mortality From Computed Tomography During Initial Evaluation of Intermediate-Risk Trauma Patients

Abstract

The risk of mortality from trauma is six times higher than the estimated risk of radiation-induced cancer mortality in intermediate level trauma patients. The mortality due to trauma is greatest in older patients, suggesting lower clinical suspicion is needed to warrant CT studies in this population. Efforts to reduce radiation exposure to trauma patients should focus on young patients with minor injuries.