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Pediatric blunt abdominal trauma: periportal tracking at CT
L E Patrick1, T I Ball, G O Atkinson
1Department of Radiology, Egleston Children's Hospital, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-1101.
Radiology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Periportal tracking (PPT) on CT scans in children with blunt abdominal trauma can indicate liver injury or lymphatic edema. This finding is crucial for diagnosing internal injuries in pediatric trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Trauma Imaging
Background:
- Periportal decreased attenuation on CT scans is observed in various conditions.
- In blunt abdominal trauma, this finding is often linked to blood dissection along portal tracts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of periportal tracking (PPT) in children after blunt abdominal trauma.
- To assess the association of PPT with liver injury and peritoneal fluid in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of abdominal CT scans from 114 children with blunt abdominal trauma.
- Analysis of PPT presence, liver abnormalities, and peritoneal fluid.
Main Results:
- Periportal tracking (PPT) was identified in 22% (25 of 114) of pediatric patients.
- PPT was associated with liver injury in 10 patients and was the sole liver abnormality in 15.
- Pathologic correlation revealed periportal lymphedema in one case and PPT of blood in another.
Conclusions:
- Periportal tracking (PPT) in children following blunt abdominal injury can represent both hemorrhage and lymphatic edema.
- This imaging finding is significant for diagnosing internal injuries in pediatric trauma.