Utility of abdominal computed tomography in geriatric patients on warfarin with a fall from standing

Conclusions: A small percentage of elderly fall patients on Warfarin have a significant abdominal injury. Anticoagulated geriatric patients are sometimes subjected to abdominal scans liberally without supporting physical examination findings such as abdominal tenderness or presence of a distracting injury. Specifically, the utility of abdominal CT is questionable in isolated head injury patients. Further, taking Warfarin or other anticoagulant medications do not seem to increase the risk of intraabdominal injury.
Source: Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research