Abstract
Background: The role of ultrasound (US) as a screening tool for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma is still controversial. Determining the types of missed injuries and the accuracy of US in patients with a low GCS will improve the evaluation of these blunt trauma patients. Methods: Prospectively collected data from the trauma registry of a Level I trauma center was reviewed. Results: 7,952 patients were included in the study. US examination had an accuracy of 89%, sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 78%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%. GCS correlated with ISS and base deficit levels. US examination had a significantly lower accuracy in patients with a low GCS and in women. Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of US examination is similar in those with normal and low GCS. Therefore ultrasonographic examination may be considered a good screening tool for the evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma, but its accuracy is diminished in patients with a low GCS. Further imaging may be warranted in these patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1184-1188 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2006 |
Keywords
- Glasgow Coma Score
- Missed injuries
- Trauma
- Ultrasound
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine