2,576 Ultrasounds for Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Description
Background: Determination of intra-abdominal injury following blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) continues to be a diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound (US) bas been described as a potentially useful diagnostic tool in this setting and is being used with increasing frequency in trauma centers. We determined the diagnostic capability of US in the evaluation of BAT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of our trauma US database was performed over a 30-month period. Computed tomographic scan, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, or exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of intra-abdominal injury. Results: During the study period, 8,197 patients were evaluated at the Ryder Trauma Center. Of this group, 2,576 (31%) had US in the evaluation of BAT. Three hundred eleven (12%) US exams were considered positive. Forty-three patients (1.7%) had a false-negative US; of this group, 10 (33%) required exploratory laparotomy. US had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 98%, and an accuracy of 97% for detection of intra-abdominal injuries. Positive predictive value was 87% and negative predictive value was 98%. Conclusion: Emergency US is highly reliable and may replace computed tomographic scan and diagnostic peritoneal lavage as the initial diagnostic modality in the evaluation of most patients with BAT.
Citation Information
Dolich, Matthew O.; McKenney, Mark G.; Varela, J. Esteban; Compton, Raymond P.; McKenney, Kimberly L.; and Cohn, Stephen M.. 2001. 2,576 Ultrasounds for Blunt Abdominal Trauma. Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care. Vol.50(1). 108-112. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200101000-00019 PMID: 11231679 ISSN: 1079-6061