Imaging of abdominal and pelvic injuries

Abstract

2.8.4 Conclusion: Trauma to abdominal and pelvic structures often occurs in the setting of multisystemic injury. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is a mainstay in reducing mortality and morbidity of these patients. Choice and employment of any particular radiological investigation would depend on the radiological armamentarium available and the urgency of demand in the life-threatening situation. While US has an important role in the early triage to detect massive hemoperitoneum, CT is the cornerstone in the evaluation of stable patients because of its impact on patient management and reduction of associated mortality. The advantages of CT include the high accuracy in screening the extent of intra- and retroperitoneal injuries, detection of active arterial extravasation and associated spine and pelvic injuries, and detection of small amounts of free abdominal air and fluid, which may be the only finding of significant injury. The tendency toward conservative management of parenchymal abdominal injuries enhances the use of CT as a modality for monitoring the natural development of injuries. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.