The use of duplex ultrasonography in penetrating neck trauma.
OBJECTIVE
To compare intraoperative findings and/or angiography with color-flow duplex scan.


METHODS
This prospective double-blind study was performed on all stable patients with zone 1, 2, or 3 penetrating neck trauma. Results of angiographic or intraoperative findings were compared with the results of duplex ultrasonographic scans.


METHODS
Fifty-five patients were studied over a 2-year period in which the distribution of injuries included 23 stab wounds (42%), 30 gunshot wounds (54%), and 2 motor vehicular lacerations (4%). There were 42 patients (76%) with normal ultrasonographic results and 13 patients (24%) with abnormal ultrasonographic results. The true-negative rate was 100%; however, there were 2 false positives resulting in 100% sensitivity and 85% specificity.


CONCLUSIONS
Duplex ultrasonography provides an excellent diagnostic modality with cost-saving, patient-friendly characteristics and a low rate of morbidity. It should be instituted as the primary diagnostic procedure of choice for penetrating neck trauma.
Ginzburg
E
E
Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Fla, USA.
Montalvo
B
B
LeBlang
S
S
Nunez
D
D
Martin
L
L
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019838:Neck Injuries; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery