Blunt abdominal trauma imaging

Overview

Blunt abdominal injury often occurs as a result of road traffic crashes and falls. It is a common body
region injured with up to 22% of traumatic injury following trauma. Blunt abdominal injury can often be
challenging to diagnose with significant injury present without external signs of trauma. (Coccolini et al, 2018) A direct blow to the abdomen can cause solid organ rupture, visceral damage and haemorrhage, contamination from peritoneal contents and peritonitis. The spleen, liver and small bowel are commonly injured following blunt trauma.

Significant injury should be suspected with the presence of a seatbelt injury, peritonitis – with rebound
tenderness or guarding, hypotension (SBP <90mmHg) and other associated trauma. (Coccolini et al, 2017)

Description

This resource kit provides healthcare workers with an understanding of the role of imaging and interventional techniques utilised in the management of blunt abdominal trauma.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session the participant will be able to:

• Understand the benefits and limitations of imaging techniques in blunt abdominal trauma.
• Understand the grading of injury utilising the AAST guidelines.
• Discuss the role of interventional radiology in splenic trauma and ongoing care of the patient post embolisation.

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Further reading