Ultrasound in the Evaluation and Management of Blunt Abdominal Trauma, ,

Failure to detect intraabdominal injury in the patient with blunt trauma may result in significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of abdominal injury remains a clinical challenge. Presented here is a review of recent literature comparing ultrasound with diagnostic peritoneal lavage and computed tomography in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma. [Nordenholz KE, Rubin MA, Gularte GG, Liang HK: Ultrasound in the evaluation and management of blunt abdominal trauma. Ann Emerg Med March 1997;29:357-366.]