Role of ultrasonography in blunt abdominal trauma: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in screening for blunt abdominal trauma in a general hospital.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University hospital, Kuwait.


METHODS
53 patients (44 male and nine female) with suspected blunt abdominal trauma or decreased consciousness were studied in the period between March 92 and April 93.


METHODS
Real time ultrasonography of the abdomen during resuscitation.


METHODS
The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography as an investigative tool and predictor of clinical outcome.


RESULTS
Ultrasonography was 85% sensitive, 100% specific, and 96% accurate. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 95%. The sensitivity was less in the hands of the surgeon than the radiologist (67% compared with 90%).


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography is an accurate, safe method for screening patients with blunt abdominal trauma even in general hospitals.
Abu-Zidan
F M
FM
Department of Surgery, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Teaching Hospital, Kuwait.
Zayat
I
I
Sheikh
M
M
Mousa
I
I
Behbehani
A
A
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery