Computed tomography and ultrasound of the traumatized and acutely ill patient

CT and ultrasound have become invaluable diagnostic tools in the radiologic evaluation of the traumatized and acutely ill patient. CT is the imaging modality of choice in blunt abdominal trauma, retroperitoneal injury and some types of pelvic injury. Ultrasound plays an important role in the evaluation of patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain, renal failure, scrotal pain and enlargement, or pain and bleeding during pregnancy. CT should be reserved for patients with complicated pancreatitis or some forms of renal infection. Thus, CT and ultrasound are important imaging modalities in the work-up of many patients treated by the emergency room physician.