What is the diagnostic yield of computed tomography for patients presenting to the ED with syncope or patients hospitalized for syncope?
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Why is this study important?
Syncope is a common emergency department (ED) presentation. A large proportion of these patients undergo computed tomography (CT) of the head despite any evidence of neurologic deficit or injury. This is contrary to the North American Choosing Wisely recommendations.[1] [2] Little guidance exists for which patients should undergo head CT following syncope. This review attempts to determine the proportion of syncope patients who undergo head CT, and of these patients, the proportion who have significant clinical findings.
Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?
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