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Unenhanced CT of abdominal and pelvic hemorrhage
D S Katz1, M J Lane, R E Mindelzun
1Department of Radiology, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
Insights
Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is a rapid initial imaging choice for detecting abdominal and pelvic hemorrhage. It accurately identifies the presence, amount, and location of bleeding, guiding further management.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Hemorrhage in the abdomen and pelvis is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a cornerstone of emergency imaging.
- Unenhanced CT offers a rapid initial assessment for detecting bleeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the imaging appearances of abdominal and pelvic hemorrhage on unenhanced CT.
- To discuss common and uncommon causes of hemorrhage detected by unenhanced CT.
- To examine the role of contrast-enhanced CT in evaluating suspected hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging findings on unenhanced CT scans.
- Correlation with clinical data and patient outcomes.
- Discussion of etiologies based on imaging characteristics.
Main Results:
- Unenhanced CT effectively detects the presence, absence, amount, and location of hemorrhage.
- Characteristic appearances of various hemorrhage sources are identifiable.
- Contrast-enhanced CT plays a complementary role in specific scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Unenhanced CT is the primary imaging modality for initial evaluation of abdominal and pelvic hemorrhage.
- Understanding unenhanced CT findings is crucial for rapid diagnosis and management.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is valuable for further characterization when needed.
Abstract:
CT performed without oral or intravenous contrast is the initial imaging study of choice in many situations for the detection of hemorrhage anywhere in the abdomen and pelvis. The presence or absence of hemorrhage can be determined rapidly, and the amount and precise location of hemorrhage can also be evaluated. This article reviews the appearances and the common and unusual etiologies of abdominal and pelvic hemorrhage on unenhanced CT. The role of intravenous contrast-enhanced CT in patients with known or suspected abdominal and pelvic hemorrhage is also examined.