Screening ultrasound for blunt intra-abdominal injury was as effective as CT of the abdomen and pelvis, however methodological flaws limit interpretation of the findings.
Patients with major blunt abdominal trauma are evaluated for injury through a combination of physical exam, bedside ultrasound, and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (CT-AP). Screening with ultrasound alone may reduce cost, time, and radiation exposure, but can it obviate the need for CT-AP?.
Investigators at a level one trauma center retrospectively analyzed data for patients who met Multiple Trauma Outcome Study criteria during an 11-year period. Depending on time of day, patients underwent initial screening with either ultrasound or CT-AP. A radiologist deemed a study positive if fluid or solid organ injury was identified. Of patients who initially underwent ultrasound, 9% underwent subsequent CT-AP at the discretion of the at…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair