Role of multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluation and management of blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

Background: The majority of all blunt and penetrating body injuries are abdominal injuries. Computed tomography is a significant and quick technology that provides information on the kind of abdominal damage quickly and aids in patient care in accordance with that information. The current study's objectives were to assess the value of Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in identifying intra-abdominal injuries in patients with acute abdominal trauma and to give knowledge that might precisely guide therapy decisions (non- operative versus operative). and to compare the computed tomography (CT) results to either clinical observation, a further CT scan (if necessary), or the results of surgery (wherever applicable). Objectives: To examine the utility of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting intra-abdominal injuries in patients with blunt abdominal trauma and providing information to define the role of therapy (operative versus conservative). Materials and Methods: This two-year prospective study looked at 50 patients who had suffered blunt abdominal trauma. The MDCT findings were compared to clinical outcomes, follow-up CT scans (if needed), and surgical outcomes (whichever applicable). Results: Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of abdomen blunt injury (68%). Abdominal injury was present in 38 (76%) patients and hemoperitoneum was seen on CT scan in 33 patients (85.8%). In 27 patients, hemoperitoneum was associated with solid organ injury. The commonest injury was splenic injury. In 6 patients (15.8%) who underwent surgery, CT findings of hemoperitoneum and solid organ injury were verified, and bowel injury was shown to be the origin of isolated hemoperitoneum in two cases. The CT scan was 100% accurate in detecting hemoperitoneum. During the follow-up period, all conservatively handled cases recovered without incident. As a result, OIS grading appeared to predict care methods in the majority of patients in this study's overall analysis of solid organ injuries, with the exception of those with bowel and mesenteric injuries. Conclusion: In the diagnosis and management of blunt abdominal trauma, CT is the imaging modality of choice. Keywords: Computed tomography; Blunt Abdominal Trauma; Organ Injury Scaling (OIS); splenic injury; liver injury, road traffic accidents.