Indications and use of abdominal angiography in trauma

A series of 148 angiographic examinations in patients with blunt abdominal trauma have been reviewed. The major indications for arteriography were: (1) manifestations of shock in conjunction with clinical signs of abdominal injury; (2) the necessity for differentiation of multiple abdominal injuries; and (3) clinical signs of delayed rupture. Few false positive or false negative results were noted. The typical angiographic findings are discussed.