Abdominal trauma.

Abstract

Abdominal injuries are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In the face of more obvious traumatic lesions, life-threatening intra-abdominal injuries may be initially overlooked. Plain abdominal and chest radiographs may prove diagnostic for specific injuries. However, normal or equivocal studies should not exclude the diagnosis of significant abdominal trauma. In patients who are clinically stable in whom there is suspicion of abdominal injury, additional imaging procedures should be undertaken for more definitive evaluation. At this time, computed tomography is the examination of choice for the assessment of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. In all cases, direct consultation with the radiologist should lead to the most expeditious plan for evaluation of the traumatized patient.