Splenic injury--a prospective multicentre diagnostic study

One hundred and forty-seven patients with splenic injury were entered in a prospective multicentre study including 18 hospitals. The diagnosis was made by scintigraphy in 55 patients, ultrasonography in 51 and computed axial tomography in 31. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 52 patients, in 23 of these after a positive peritoneal lavage. Splenic injury was found in 33 per cent of the ultrasound examinations, indicated in another 20 per cent and not indicated in 16 per cent. In 31 per cent increased intraperitoneal effusion was the only finding. There was a tendency towards an underestimation of the injury by ultrasonography. Peritoneal lavage was positive in all examinations.