Is Delayed Phase Computed Tomography Imaging Necessary After Blunt Renal Trauma in Children?

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the utilization of delayed phase computed tomography (CT) imaging in blunt renal trauma and determine if the omission of delayed phase CT imaging affected clinical outcomes in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively collected trauma database was reviewed between 2006 and 2016 to identify patients aged ≤21 years with a diagnosis of renal injury from blunt trauma. Demographic characteristics, injury grade, Injury Severity Score, non-kidney organ injuries, radiologic studies, and clinical course were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those who received CT with delayed images in the emergency room and those who did not.

RESULTS: In total, 121 patients met the inclusion criteria. Delayed scans were obtained in 50 patients (41%) but omitted in 71 (59%). Age, weight, non-kidney organ injuries, and imaging location did not differ between groups. Injury Severity Score was higher in the no-delay group than in the delay group (median 16 vs 10, respectively, P = .40). Median length of stay was 3 days without significant differences by cohort (P = .24). The proportion of patients who received abdominal CT scans after admission, underwent a urologic procedure, or were readmitted did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSION: This study was unable to demonstrate a difference in outcomes between patients who had a CT with delayed imaging and patients who did not. This questions the universal necessity for delayed images after blunt renal trauma. Future prospective studies are necessary to develop pediatric trauma guidelines that balance imaging needs and radiation exposure.