Abstract
This study evaluates our experience with CT scanning in thoracic and abdominal trauma. It was designed to analyze the accuracy and usefulness of CT with regard to: a) type of trauma, b) location of injury, c) timing of scanning, d) timing of operative intervention, e) confirmatory findings, and f) ultimate patient outcome. Between 1978 and 1983, 2,069 CT scans were performed for trauma in our institution, of which 122 were abdominal and ten thoracic, in 98 patients. Thirty-one of these patients had operation or autopsy confirmation of the findings; for 11 patients subsequent CT was available. Abdominal scanning was positive in 48 patients. The organs most commonly injured were spleen (17 patients), pancreas (nine), kidney (11), and liver (eight). Two pancreatic scans were initially interpreted as negative, but in retrospect definite abnormalities were present. 1) Thoraco-abdominal CT scanning documents injury to the liver, spleen, kidney, and retroperitoneum with a high degree of accuracy. 2) CT is most useful in stable trauma patients without obvious indications for laparotomy but with abnormal findings requiring explanation. 3) CT scanning is useful in evaluating patients for delayed complications following trauma. 4) Attention to details of technique and clinical correlation are essential to avoid misinterpretation of thoracoabdominal CT scans, especially of the pancreas. 5) Use of CT scans may assist in the safe, nonoperative management of selected patients with injury limited to solid organs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.