Use of early head CT following out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest

Aim Neurological emergencies can lead to cardiac arrest, and post-arrest patients can develop life-threatening neurological abnormalities. This study aims to estimate and characterize the use of early head CT (HCT), and its potential impact on post-resuscitation management. Methods This retrospective study analyzed 213 adults who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and survived for at least 24 h. Demographics were collected and arrest-related variables were documented. Timing of HCT was recorded and if abnormalities were found on HCT within 24 h of resuscitation, any resulting changes in management were recorded. Outcome was measured by cerebral performance category at discharge. Results Only 54% of patients who survived OHCA underwent HCT in the first 24 h after resuscitation. Patients who underwent HCT were healthier and had better pre-arrest functional status and shorter duration of arrest. Acute abnormalities were found on 38% of HCT and 34% of these abnormal scans resulted in management changes. Conclusions Early HCT is not consistently performed after OHCA and may be heavily influenced by a patient's premorbid status and duration of arrest. Early HCT can demonstrate acute abnormalities that can result in significant changes in patient management.