Computed Tomographic Findings of Injuries After Mechanical and Manual Resuscitation: A Retrospective Study

Introduction Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related injuries are complications of chest compressions during CPR. This study aimed to investigate the differences and complications between mechanical and manual CPR techniques by using computed tomography (CT). Methods Patients in whom return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after CPR and thorax CT imaging were performed for diagnostic purposes were included in the study. Results A total of 178 non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients were successfully resuscitated and had CT scans in the emergency department. The complications of CPR are sternum fracture, rib fracture, pleural effusion/hemothorax, and pneumothorax. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, first complaint, cardiac arrest rhythm, CPR duration, and complications between mechanical and manual CPR. The number of exitus in the emergency department was similar (p=0.638). The discharge from hospital rate was higher in the mechanical CPR group but there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.196). The duration of CPR was associated with the number of rib fractures and lung contusion, but it did not affect other CPR-related chest injuries. Conclusion There was no significant difference observed in terms of increased complications in patients who received mechanical compression as compared with those who received manual compression. According to our results, mechanical compression does not cause serious complications, and the discharge from hospital rate was higher than for manual CPR; therefore, its use should be encouraged.