[Sonographic acute diagnosis in polytrauma]

A series of 128 emergency cases is reported, suffering from polytrauma with suspected blunt abdominal or thoracic trauma. Screening for intraabdominal or intrathoracic hemorrhage requiring urgent operation was done by ultrasonography. In 127 cases clinically relevant hemorrhage was found or could be excluded, all cases proven by operation or close clinical follow up. For investigation was not evaluable in one case due to subcutaneous emphysema a diagnostic peritoneal lavage was carried out, a procedure which was not necessary in all other cases. Technique, diagnostic value and limits of ultrasonography in polytraumatic patients are described and discussed in comparison with diagnostic peritoneal lavage.