Predictive parameters for angiography and embolization in the bleeding pelvic fracture

In the bleeding pelvic fracture, decision needs to be made on definitive control of bleeding whilst resuscitation. The decision for angiography in unstable patients is difficult and this study hopes to identify the parameters that may aid in this decision.

121 patients with traumatic pelvic fractures were identified from June 2005 till June 2010, from the National University Hospital, Singapore. Out of these 121 patients, 15 patients who underwent angiographic evaluation were identified. 11 out of the 15 had angiography and embolization done, while the remaining 4 only had angiography done. Another group of 29 patients who had not undergone angiography were identified from the main population via age-matched criteria. Clinical parameters were compared between the 15 angiography patients and the 29 non-angiography group of patients.

Angiography group had a larger proportion (80%) with contrast blush noted on contrast-enhanced CT scan (CECT), a higher proportion with unstable pelvic fracture patterns as classified by Tile (80%), and Young and Burgess (92.4%) (p < 0.05). Embolized group had higher proportion (81.8%) with hematoma and with blush on CECT (100%), and higher proportion with unstable fracture patterns (UFPs) (72.7%) as classified by Tile (p < 0.05). Positive predictive value for embolization using hematoma alone is 39% while that of blush alone is 73% and unstable Tile fracture alone is 47%. Positive predictive value of combined hematoma, blush and unstable Tile fracture pattern is 75%.

Significant predictive factors for angiogram would be unstable pelvic fracture patterns, presence of hematoma and contrast blushing on CT.