A Rare Non-penetrant Abdominal Wall Injury Caused by High-pressure Water: A Case Report
Cigdem Ozer Gokaslan1, Serkan Gokaslan2, Ugur Toprak3
1Radiology Department, Medicine Faculty, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey.
Current Medical Imaging Reviews
|February 4, 2020
Summary
High-pressure water jet injuries can cause extensive subcutaneous abdominal damage without penetrating the peritoneum, a phenomenon influenced by the Coanda effect. Radiological imaging is crucial for assessing injury severity and guiding treatment.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- High-pressure water jet injuries are rare, typically affecting extremities.
- Intra-abdominal injuries from water jets are infrequently reported.
- This case explores non-penetrating abdominal wall injury from a water jet, involving the Coanda effect.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and a small cutaneous gap after high-pressure water exposure.
- CT revealed a minor entry point and extensive subcutaneous injury, but no peritoneal penetration.
- The Coanda effect caused the water jet to follow the peritoneal surface, creating a large, non-penetrating injury.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) accurately identified the extent of subcutaneous injury.
- The injury tract followed the peritoneum due to the Coanda effect.
- No intra-abdominal organs were compromised.
Implications:
- High-pressure water jets can cause significant, non-penetrating abdominal wall injuries.
- Radiological imaging is essential for diagnosing the extent of such injuries.
- Understanding the Coanda effect is key to comprehending these injury patterns.
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