Abstract
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and computed tomography (CT) are the primary diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is fast and accurate but associated with complications. Computed tomography is also accurate, yet requires that patients be stable and transportable. A prospective study was designed to determine the utility of emergency ultrasound (US) studies in the initial assessment of BAT. Two hundred acutely injured patients with suspected BAT were evaluated with US. Patients were eligible for the study if they met trauma criteria and had suspected BAT. Subsequently, without knowledge of the US results, DPL or CT was performed. Ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 97% in detecting intra-abdominal injuries. Six injuries were missed but only one was felt to be significant. If US had been used in all 200 patients, 199 would have had appropriate care. We conclude US is reliable in the detection of free intraperitoneal fluid and may be used in place of DPL or CT.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 439-441 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Journal of Trauma |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 1994 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
Cite this
Can ultrasound replace diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the assessment of blunt trauma? / McKenney, M.; Lentz, K.; Nunez, D.; Sosa, J. L.; Sleeman, Danny; Axelrad, A.; Martin, L.; Kirton, O.; Oldham, C.
In: Journal of Trauma, Vol. 37, No. 3, 01.01.1994, p. 439-441.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Can ultrasound replace diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the assessment of blunt trauma?
AU - McKenney, M.
AU - Lentz, K.
AU - Nunez, D.
AU - Sosa, J. L.
AU - Sleeman, Danny
AU - Axelrad, A.
AU - Martin, L.
AU - Kirton, O.
AU - Oldham, C.
PY - 1994/1/1
Y1 - 1994/1/1
N2 - Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and computed tomography (CT) are the primary diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is fast and accurate but associated with complications. Computed tomography is also accurate, yet requires that patients be stable and transportable. A prospective study was designed to determine the utility of emergency ultrasound (US) studies in the initial assessment of BAT. Two hundred acutely injured patients with suspected BAT were evaluated with US. Patients were eligible for the study if they met trauma criteria and had suspected BAT. Subsequently, without knowledge of the US results, DPL or CT was performed. Ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 97% in detecting intra-abdominal injuries. Six injuries were missed but only one was felt to be significant. If US had been used in all 200 patients, 199 would have had appropriate care. We conclude US is reliable in the detection of free intraperitoneal fluid and may be used in place of DPL or CT.
AB - Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and computed tomography (CT) are the primary diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is fast and accurate but associated with complications. Computed tomography is also accurate, yet requires that patients be stable and transportable. A prospective study was designed to determine the utility of emergency ultrasound (US) studies in the initial assessment of BAT. Two hundred acutely injured patients with suspected BAT were evaluated with US. Patients were eligible for the study if they met trauma criteria and had suspected BAT. Subsequently, without knowledge of the US results, DPL or CT was performed. Ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 97% in detecting intra-abdominal injuries. Six injuries were missed but only one was felt to be significant. If US had been used in all 200 patients, 199 would have had appropriate care. We conclude US is reliable in the detection of free intraperitoneal fluid and may be used in place of DPL or CT.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0028041320&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0028041320&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
C2 - 8083906
AN - SCOPUS:0028041320
VL - 37
SP - 439
EP - 441
JO - Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
JF - Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
SN - 2163-0755
IS - 3
ER -