Introduction.

This study aims to assess the impact of whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) in the evaluation of patients with penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) who are hemodynamically unstable and treated at a trauma referral center.

Methods.

An analytical, retrospective study was conducted based on a subanalysis of the Panamerican Trauma Society-FVL registry. Patients with GSW treated between 2018 and 2021 were included. Patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma, minor trauma, and those in extremis were excluded. Patients with and without WBCT were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the frequency of major surgeries (thoracotomy, sternotomy, cervicotomy, and/or laparotomy) during initial care.

Results.

Two hundred eligible patients were included, with 115 undergoing WBCT and compared to 85 controls. In-hospital mortality in the WBCT group was 4/115 (3.5%) compared to 10/85 (12%) in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that WBCT was not significantly associated to mortality (aOR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.10-1.94). The WBCT group had a relative reduction of 39% in the frequency of major surgeries, with an associated effect on reducing the need for surgery (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.22-0.98).

Conclusions.

Whole-body computed tomography was employed in the initial management of patients with penetrating firearm projectile injuries and hemodynamic instability. The use of WBCT was not associated with mortality but rather with a reduction in the frequency of major surgery.

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