DIAGNOSTIC-IMAGING IN THE EVALUATION OF BLUNT ABDOMINAL-TRAUMA

Blunt abdominal trauma is a common cause of death and nonfatal injury. Diagnostic imaging may provide useful information in hemodynamically stable patients. In addition, patients who are comatose may benefit fr om imaging when intra-abdominal findings would change the course of cl inical management. Computed tomographic scanning of the abdomen usuall y provides accurate information and may allow the physician to determi ne whether observation or surgery is warranted.