title: Diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.
abstract: Blunt abdominal trauma is a common cause of death and nonfatal injury. Diagnostic imaging may provide useful information in hemodynamically stable patients. In addition, patients who are comatose may benefit from imaging when intra-abdominal findings would change the course of clinical management. Computed tomographic scanning of the abdomen usually provides accurate information and may allow the physician to determine whether observation or surgery is warranted.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Barloon
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Weissman
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*