1,000 CONSECUTIVE ULTRASOUNDS FOR BLUNT ABDOMINAL-TRAUMA

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and computed tomography (CT) are th e primary diagnostic modalities used in the evaluation of patients wit h suspected blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). DPL is fast and accurate but is associated with complications. CT is also accurate, yet requires s tability and transportability of the patients. Ultrasound (US) has bee n suggested as an aid in evaluating BAT, We evaluated US in the initia l assessment of BAT in 1000 patients. Patients were eligible for the s tudy if they met specified trauma criteria and had suspected BAT. We t hen followed the outcome of the patients and their further work-up. US showed a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 99%, and an accuracy of 97% for detecting intraabdominal injuries. We conclude that emergency ultrasound may be used as the initial diagnostic modality for suspect ed blunt abdominal trauma.