Based in Dallas, Texas, interventional radiologist Dr. James Summa was a physician with White Rock Radiology for more than a decade. Respected in his field, Dr. James Summa co-authored the paper “The Role of Helical CT in the Evaluation of Potentially Acute Thoracic Aortic Injuries.” The study demonstrated a way in which CT scan could be used instead of routine aortography for examining serious blunt chest trauma patients.
The study began with a screening of patients with potential aortic injuries, with these patients undergoing parallel aortography and CT imaging procedures. Radiologists then reviewed one of the two distinct sets of image types. They were unaware of the interpretation of radiologists who looked at the other image type. The CT and aortography exam findings were then classified as positive, inconclusive, or negative for injury. Expenses were also examined, with the costs of performing helical CT and the costs of aortography compared. With the two imaging procedures offering equivalent negative predictive value and sensitivity, the study pointed toward effective ways of reducing costs and increasing expediency.
The study began with a screening of patients with potential aortic injuries, with these patients undergoing parallel aortography and CT imaging procedures. Radiologists then reviewed one of the two distinct sets of image types. They were unaware of the interpretation of radiologists who looked at the other image type. The CT and aortography exam findings were then classified as positive, inconclusive, or negative for injury. Expenses were also examined, with the costs of performing helical CT and the costs of aortography compared. With the two imaging procedures offering equivalent negative predictive value and sensitivity, the study pointed toward effective ways of reducing costs and increasing expediency.