PATTERNS OF VARIOUS INJURIES IN BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA IN PATIENTS SECONDARY TO ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND FALL PRESENTED TO A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL-A CT SCAN BASED STUDY FROM LIAQUAT NATIONAL HOSPITAL, KARACHI.

Abstract

Background

Blunt abdominal injuries are very common and usually result from motor vehicle collisions, recreational accidents or falls. The appropriate next step investigation plays a very vital role in management of such patients who otherwise face increase morbidity or even mortality. MDCT scans are currently the gold standard for evaluation of posttraumatic patients for evaluation of abdominal injuries.

Objectives

To evaluate patterns of various injuries in blunt abdominal trauma patients presented to a tertiary care hospital based on CT scan

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cross sectional study was performed on data collected from records of Liaquat National Hospital Radiology department of abdominal trauma patients from 1^st July 2015 to 31^st December 2016. Patients who were hemodynamically stable, with high clinical suspicion of intra-abdominal injury and those with positive ultrasound fast after blunt abdominal injury secondary to RTA or fall were included.

Results

A total of 127 stable patients were included in this study. The Mean age of presentation was 28.8 years. 115 patients (90.5%) found to have various injuries. The most common CT finding was Hemoperitoneum, which was seen in 74 patients (58%), 56 patients (44.1%) suffered fractures of spine and pelvis. Pleural effusion, solid abdominal visceral injuries, lung contusions, pneumothorax and mesenteric tear were also seen.

Conclusions

Patients who suffered blunt abdominal trauma should be investigated with MDCT to rule out visceral and bony injuries, which has significant impact on the management and morbidity and increases the patient survival

Key words: Blunt abdominal trauma, CT scan, Intra abdominal injuries.