title: Spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage: imaging features.
abstract: Spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding can result from a vast array of etiologies. Fortunately, most are uncommon and currently available imaging modalities can be used to differentiate them in almost all cases. Meticulous imaging technique and careful observation of key imaging features are important for accurate characterization of the organ of origin of the spontaneous bleeding. CT is the single most important imaging technique in the detection and characterization of spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding. Further development in multidetector technology, such as the introduction of new machines with 8 or 16 detectors, should improve the effectiveness of CT further. Sonography and MR imaging are complimentary to CT, especially in patients with pelvic abnormalities or equivocal CT findings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Abdominal Imaging and Intervention, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. kmortele@partners.org
authors.forename: Koenraad J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Mortele
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cantisani
authors.forename: Douglas L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Pablo R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Ros
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006465:Hemoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media