Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a computed tomography (CT) scan screening test to predict the need for intervention in patients with splenic injury. Methods: CT scans of 20 patients with blunt injury to the spleen were reviewed to identify findings that correlated with the need for intervention (surgery or embolization). A screening test was created and then validated in CT scans from 56 consecutive patients. Results: Three findings correlated with the need for intervention: 1) devascularization or laceration involving 50% or more of the splenic parenchyma, 2) contrast blush greater than one centimeter in diameter (from active extravasation of intravenous contrast material or pseudoaneurysm formation), and 3) a large hemoperitoneum. The sensitivity of the screening test was 100%, specificity was 88%, and overall accuracy was 93%. Conclusions: These CT scan grading criteria appears to reliably predict the need for invasive management in patients with blunt injury to the spleen.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1083-1086 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2006 |
Keywords
- Injury grading scales
- Splenic injury
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine