Is a Repeat Head CT Scan Necessary After an Initial Negative Scan in Head Trauma Patients on DOAC Therapy in the Emergency Department?

Background

Head trauma in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) presents a clinical dilemma because of concern for delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Although some emergency departments (EDs) routinely perform repeat head CT after an initially negative scan, the clinical value of this practice remains uncertain.