Evaluation of clinical and radiological correlation in blunt trauma abdomen

Abstract

Background: Abdominal trauma is commonly encountered injury caused mainly due to road traffic accidents (RTA). The research aimed to study the cases of abdominal trauma, its different modes of presentation and correlation of radiological and clinical findings with operative findings in these patients. Material and methods: An observational study was conducted in a tertiary care institute. Hemodynamic instability and finding of shattered solid viscera on imaging and/or other injury requiring exploration were the criteria for surgical intervention. Radiological findings were then compared with the operative findings. In addition, clinical parameters were recorded till the patient was discharged and then analyzed. Results: A total of 62 patients presenting in Trauma Centre with an antecedent history of blunt abdominal trauma. Most common age group affected was 21-40 years and mean age was 30.4 + 11.56 years. Males were more affected and RTA was the most common mode of injury. Associated injuries included chest injuries (20.9%), limb fracture (19.35%) and soft tissue injuries (4.83%). Twenty patients were operated and rest of patients were managed conservatively. Sensitivity of USG in detecting liver and splenic injuries was 100% and specificity was 92.3% and 92.8% respectively. Sensitivity of CT for detecting injury to liver, spleen, renal, pancreas and small bowel was 100%, 83.3%, 100%, 100% and 83.3% and specificity was 100% in all injuries. Mortality rate in our study was 4.83%. Conclusion: High degree of suspicion and prompt screening by radiological investigations of patients should be done to rule out intraabdominal injury. Necessary investigations and early surgery whenever required is the key to management of blunt trauma patients.