Splenic trauma: value of follow-up CT.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of follow-up computed tomography (CT) after expectant treatment in patients with clinically stable blunt splenic trauma.


METHODS
Medical records and CT studies for 42 patients were reviewed, and injuries were graded on a scale of 1-6. Patients were divided into three groups: stable patients with no follow-up CT (group 1, n = 14), stable patients with follow-up CT (group 2, n = 22), and symptomatic patients with follow-up (group 3, n = 6). Serial hemoglobin values and clinical findings at follow-up CT were reviewed.


RESULTS
All patients in groups 1 and 2 remained clinically stable with good outcomes. In group 3, follow-up CT scans demonstrated worsening condition in four patients (67%), and three of the four had poor outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up CT may be unnecessary in patients with clinically stable splenic trauma.
Lawson
D E
DE
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich.
Jacobson
J A
JA
Spizarny
D L
DL
Pranikoff
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013154:Spleen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*