Prognostication via early computed tomography head in patients treated with targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest

Background: We evaluated computed tomography head (CTH) imaging obtained prior to targeted temperature management (TTM) in patients after cardiac arrest, and its role in prognostication. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study in a tertiary-care hospital, 341 adults presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest received a CTH prior to TTM. Associations between outcomes and neuroimaging variables were evaluated with Chi-square analysis for significant associations that yielded a composite neuroimaging score-Tennessee Early Neuroimaging Score (TENS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis including TENS as an independent variable and the four outcome dependent variables were analyzed. Results: Four of the neuroimaging variables-sulcal effacement, partial gray-white matter effacement, total gray-white matter effacement, deep nuclei effacement-had significant associations with each of the four outcome variables and yielded TENS. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders, TENS was associated with poor discharge CPC (OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.16-3.98, p = .015), poor disposition (OR 2.62, 95%CI 1.37-5.02, p = .004), in-hospital mortality (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.09-3.62, p = .024), and ICU mortality (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.12-3.20, p = .018). Conclusion: Imaging prior to TTM may help identify post-cardiac arrest patients with severe anoxic brain injury and poor outcomes.