Management benefits and safety of computed tomography in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy: experience of a single centre

AIM To evaluate the benefits and logistical safety of computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in a single institution MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a period of 25 months 134 patients (80 neonates 19 children and 35 adults) underwent ECMO therapy at this institution The imaging of these patients was reviewed to identify patients who had undergone CT imaging whilst on ECMO Patient notes were retrospectively reviewed CT findings and subsequent decisions were analysed to assess the benefit of CT imaging Complications arising due to the logistics of performing the scan were analysed to assess the safety of performing CT in ECM patients RESULTS Of 134 patients 14 (10%) had a total of 15 CT examinations whilst undergoing ECMO therapy Indications for CT included new neurology increased respiratory demand and increasing requirement for high ECMO flows There were no major complications and two minor complications associated with the logistics of performing a CT examination on an ECM patient Significant findings resulted from 73 3% (11/15) of the CT examinations and in all 15 examinations information was provided that was used in making further management decisions including in some cases withdrawal of ECMO therapy CONCLUSION With an experienced team CT imaging of patients on ECM() can be performed safely CT provides valuable information for subsequent management of patients undergoing ECMO therapy (C) 2010 The Royal College of Radiologists Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved