Blunt abdominal trauma: current imaging techniques and CT findings in patients with solid organ, bowel, and mesenteric injury.
Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma. In most institutions, computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice when evaluating such patients. The purpose of this review is to highlight current techniques in trauma imaging and to review CT findings associated with solid organ, bowel, mesenteric, and diaphragmatic injury. In particular, emphasis is placed on the use of multidetector CT technology (MDCT), especially 64-row detector CT. The role of various techniques, including the use of oral and intravenous contrast, as well as the potential benefit of delayed imaging, is discussed.
Stuhlfaut
Joshua W
JW
Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Anderson
Stephan W
SW
Soto
Jorge A
JA
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D004064:Digestive System / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media