Computed tomography in the management of blunt abdominal trauma in children

Sixteen children with suspected abdominal injury were reviewed. All underwent plain abdominal radiography and computed tomography (CT). Fifteen CT scans showed an abnormality, and the abdominal radiograph was abnormal in seven cases. Eight patients also underwent abdominal ultrasonography, and six scans failed to demonstrate an abnormality. Only two patients required laparotomy, one for a ruptured left diaphragm and one for a major renal injury. These results support the use of CT as the optimal method for assessing the stable child following blunt abdominal trauma.