[Evaluation of non-contrast-enhanced CT in blunt abdominal trauma]

Nihon Igaku Hoshasen Gakkai Zasshi. 1992 Mar 25;52(3):300-7.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We compared the findings of noncontrast-enhanced CT with those of contrast-enhanced CT in 126 patients with blunt abdominal trauma to evaluate the usefulness of noncontrast-enhanced CT. In 112 of the patients, visceral injuries were confirmed by surgery or clinical follow-up including CT. Although noncontrast-enhanced CT diagnosed all patients with 12 intestinal injuries requiring immediate surgery, contrast-enhanced CT missed two of these patients because high density hematomas on noncontrast-enhanced CT became isodense after IV administration of contrast material. However, contrast-enhanced CT was superior to noncontrast-enhanced CT in the diagnosis of hepatic and renal injuries. A case of renal artery occlusion was only visualized on contrast-enhanced CT. We conclude that both noncontrast- and contrast-enhanced CT should be performed for the CT evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*