Multimodality imaging approach to blunt abdominal trauma in a tertiary care center in North India

Abstract

Background: Evaluating patients who have sustained blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) remains one of the most challenging and resource-intensive aspects of acute trauma care. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) in detecting the visceral injuries with the assessment of their diagnostic indices. X-ray was done in cases of suspected bowel injuries. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Imaging and Interventional Radiology, at CSS Hospital, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, for 2 years. Eighty-two patients of BAT were evaluated using investigations such as X-ray (wherever required), USG, and CT scan during the study. Results: Majority of the patients were from the age group of 21 to 40 years with predominance of male (69.5%). Hemoperitoneum associated with visceral injuries were the major findings detected by both USG (70.7%) and CT (81.7%). Sensitivities of USG for the detection of spleen, liver, kidney, and pancreatic injuries were 95%, 94%, 66.6%, and 40%, respectively, while the sensitivity of CT for the detection of liver, spleen, kidney, and pancreas was 100%. Conclusion: CT is highly sensitive, specific, and accurate in detecting the presence or absence of injury in BAT and defining its extent. However, USG still remains the initial investigation of choice.