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Blunt duodenal rupture: a 6-year statewide experience
R B Ballard1, M M Badellino, C A Eynon
1Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Blunt duodenal rupture is a rare injury, often presenting with abdominal symptoms. While diagnosis can be delayed, overall mortality for this trauma is lower than previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Blunt duodenal rupture is an uncommon but severe injury.
- Understanding its characteristics is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, injury patterns, and mortality associated with blunt duodenal rupture.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year review of a state-wide trauma registry identified 103,864 patients.
- Hospital records of 30 patients with confirmed blunt duodenal rupture were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Blunt duodenal injury occurred in 0.2% of patients; 14.5% had full-thickness rupture.
- Motor vehicle crashes were the most common cause; abdominal pain/tenderness was the frequent presentation.
- Computerized tomography (CT) had low sensitivity; the second duodenal portion was most commonly injured.
Conclusions:
- Blunt duodenal rupture is rare, with most injuries not being full-thickness.
- Delayed diagnosis is common but did not significantly impact mortality.
- Overall mortality is lower than previously documented.