SONOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSTICS OF ABDOMINAL-TR AUMA - EVALUATION OF PRIMARY FINDINGS IN EMERGENCY ROOM PATIENTS

Aim: To evaluate sonography as a tool for initial diagnosis in emergen cy room patients with abdominal trauma. Method: 174 cases of abdominal trauma were selected from 1837 emergency care patients. The initial s onographic findings were compared to CT-evaluation, operative and auto psy results, and both clinical and sonographic follow-up. Results: In 31 cases initial sonographic findings were positive, leading to 6 lapa rotomies. In another 6 cases, changes of follow-up sonographic testing led to laparotomy. In 143 patients, the initial sonographic evaluatio n was negative. In this group, follow-up evaluation revealed changes i n 16 cases leading to 3 laparotomies. In 8 patients with stab injuries , the negative sonographic study was confirmed by operative findings. Conclusion: Sonography is a well-tested diagnostic method in evaluatin g patients with abdominal trauma. Follow-up examinations - even with n egative initial results - are needed. While the time interval between evaluations depends on the individual risk factors, hourly reevaluatio n is generally appropriate.