title: Splenic trauma: value of follow-up CT.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Lawson
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Spizarny
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pranikoff
mesh_terms: 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*