Portable computed tomography performed on the intensive care unit

Objective: We report on the use of portable computed tomography (CT) in an ICU setting. The additional diagnostic gain and therapeutic consequences were assessed. Patients: Ten ICU patients underwent 14 portable chest CT examinations. In 64% maximum intensive care was required, according to TISS28 (>40), and 42% were at a risk of mortality higher than 25% (MODS) on the day of portable CT examination. In three portable CT examinations the patients were considered not transportable and were examined directly in the patient room. All other examinations were performed in a special interventional suite directly on the ICU. Results: Of 14 examinations 8 (57%) resulted in a change in patient management within 48 h. All patients profited from portable CT and no hazards occurred related to CT. Conclusions: To perform portable CT in the interventional suite on the ICU allows immediate minimally invasive therapeutic interventions and provides full ICU monitoring.