COMPARISON OF COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC IMAGING IN THEASSESSMENT OF BLUNT ABDOMINAL-TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

Background Computed tomography (CT) has become established in the asse ssment of paediatric blunt abdominal trauma. However, advances in diag nostic imaging necessitate reassessment of the role of available diagn ostic modalities. Methods Experience at a paediatric teaching hospital over a 5-year period was reviewed, with direct comparison of CT again st ultrasonographic imaging in 26 children presenting with acute blunt abdominal trauma. Results Intra-abdominal injury was diagnosed by CT in 23 of 24 patients compared with 21 on ultrasonography, although ide ntified organ-specific injury in only 12 of 24 patients. CT was superi or in the assessment of the multiply injured child, and identified spi nal and pelvic injuries in three patients. CT augmented plain chest ra diography in ten patients with associated thoracic injuries. Conclusio n CT is the imaging modality of choice in children with severe abdomin al trauma but ultrasonography is a reasonable technique to arouse diag nostic suspicion in less severe injuries of where CT is unavailable or delayed.