The radiological primary survey: A systematic approach and guide to reading torso computed tomography images in trauma for surgeons

Abstract

Background Trauma is a disease where time is of the essence. In many lower middle-income countries, definitive management and planning for trauma patients are often delayed after working hours because of either a lack of technicians to perform computed tomography (CT) scans or a lack of radiologists to interpret them. These lacunae can be bridged if more and more surgeons become confident in interpreting trauma CT images. Method In this narrative review, written in a ‘how to do it’ manner, we describe a way of doing a structured and quick ‘radiological primary survey’ of the torso CT, which we believe will help quickly identify major injuries systematically, thereby avoiding delays in management and forming a care plan. The method has been developed by a team of trauma surgeons and radiologists and stems from the DRS ABCDE technique used in interpreting trauma chest X-rays. Result The DRS ABCDE extrapolated to the trauma torso CT includes the following steps- Details, WRAP (W-windowing, R-Region, A-Axis, P-Phase), S- the Scout film, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Extras. Conclusion The review will enable resident trainees and trauma care professionals to interpret trauma CTs using a structured approach.