K. Shanmuganathan et al., Triple-contrast helical CT in penetrating torso trauma: A prospective study to (determine peritoneal violation and the need for laparotomy, AM J ROENTG, 177(6), 2001, pp. 1247-1256
Citations number
41
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
OBJECTIVE. A prospective study was performed to determine the usefulness of
triple-contrast helical CT in predicting peritoneal violation and the need
for laparotomy in the treatment of penetrating torso trauma.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Triple-contrast helical CT scans were obtained in 104
hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating injuries to the torso (th
oracoabdominal region including tangential wounds to the anterior abdomen,
flank, back, and pelvis) over a 17-month period. The study group included 5
4 patients with gunshot wounds and 50 with stab wounds. No patient had a ra
diographic or clinical indication for immediate laparotomy. A positive find
ing on CT was defined as evidence of peritoneal violation or injury to the
retroperitoneal colon, major vessel, or urinary tract. Patients with a posi
tive CT, except patients with isolated liver injury or free fluid, underwen
t laparotomy. Patients with a negative finding on CT were initially observe
d.
RESULTS. CT studies were positive in 35 (34%) of 104 patients and negative
in 69 (66%) of 104 of patients. Laparotomy was performed in 21 (60%) of 35
patients with positive CT; 19 (86%) of 22 were therapeutic, two (9%) were n
ontherapeutic, and one (5%) was negative (no injury was found). Nine patien
ts with isolated hepatic injuries were successfully treated without laparot
omy. Among patients with a negative CT, 67 (97%) of 69 were treated nonoper
atively with success. CT had 100% (19/19) sensitivity, 96% (69/72) specific
ity, 100% (69/69) negative predictive value, and 97% (101/104) accuracy in
predicting the need for laparotomy.
CONCLUSION. Triple-contrast helical CT can accurately predict the need for
laparotomy and exclude peritoneal violation in penetrating torso trauma inc
luding tangential abdominal wounds.