Radiology of blunt abdominal trauma

Blunt abdominal trauma can produce injury to any of the intra-abdominal organs. While diagnostic studies may be necessary to help determine the most appropriate therapy, all these procedures take time, which in some instances can be better used to treat the patient actively. The condition of the patient and the clinical findings take precedence in the handling of the injured patient. Certain skeletal injuries are often a first clue and can help focus further investigations. Plain films and regular contrast examinations are adequate to evaluate most intra-abdominal injuries. When time is available, a variety of other radiologic techniques are available in most hospitals. Nuclear imaging is of considerable value in studying the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Thus far, ultrasound techniques have left much to be desired although theoretically of considerable potential. Angiography can be of great diagnostic and potentially of some therapeutic value. No diagnostic test beats a good history and careful examination. Radiologic studies, ideally, should be done to confirm a clinical suspicion, not just for the sake of "completeness."