Initial experience with a state-of-the-art mobile head CT scanner for use in neurointensive care units

Mobile head computed tomography (CT) scanners can reduce transport-related complications in neurointensive care unit (NICU) patients and decrease the burden on NICU staff; however, the initial investment cost and reduced image quality of early mobile scanners have prevented their widespread clinical use. Here, we report our initial experience with a novel 32-row mobile CT scanner for use in NICUs. Over a 2-year period, 107 patients received a mobile head CT scan. The technical characteristics of the scanner and the organizational procedures are described in detail. Patient characteristics were retrospectively collected and image quality was subjectively evaluated on a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 5 and compared with a stationary CT scanner. Mobile head CT was used for follow-up of intracranial hemorrhage in 51