Usefulness and limitations of ultrasonography in the initial evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2026

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) Exam: Image Acquisition
Published on: September 22, 2023
1Department of Surgery, Saiseikai Kanagawaken Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
Background:
In the assessment of blunt abdominal trauma, the reliability of ultrasonography (US) in identifying individual organ injuries remains uncertain, in spite of its usefulness in detecting hemoperitoneum. This study was designed to evaluate the overall diagnostic value of US, including identification of individual organ injuries.
Methods:
The accuracy of US in the detection of intra-abdominal injuries and the identification of individual organ injuries was evaluated in 1,239 patients seen during a 15-year period. Accuracy was based on detection of intraperitoneal fluid, free air, or irregular parenchymal lesions.
Results:
For the detection of injuries, US was 94.6% sensitive, 95.1% specific, and 94.9% accurate. Individual organ injuries were identified with sensitivities of 92.4, 90.0, 92.2, 71.4, and 34.7% for the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and intestine, respectively.
Conclusion:
US is reliable for the detection of injuries and the identification of solid-organ injuries despite its poor sensitivity for intestinal injuries.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
