OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in screening for blunt abdominal trauma in a general hospital. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital, Kuwait. SUBJECTS: 53 patients (44 male and nine female) with suspected blunt abdominal trauma or decreased consciousness were studied in the period between March 92 and April 93. INTERVENTIONS: Real time ultrasonography of the abdomen during resuscitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography as an investigative tool and predictor of clinical outcome. RESULTS: Ultrasonography was 85% sensitive, 100% specific, and 96% accurate. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 95%. The sensitivity was less in the hands of the surgeon than the radiologist (67% compared with 90%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is an accurate, safe method for screening patients with blunt abdominal trauma even in general hospitals.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in screening for blunt abdominal trauma in a general hospital. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital, Kuwait. SUBJECTS: 53 patients (44 male and nine female) with suspected blunt abdominal trauma or decreased consciousness were studied in the period between March 92 and April 93. INTERVENTIONS: Real time ultrasonography of the abdomen during resuscitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography as an investigative tool and predictor of clinical outcome. RESULTS: Ultrasonography was 85% sensitive, 100% specific, and 96% accurate. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 95%. The sensitivity was less in the hands of the surgeon than the radiologist (67% compared with 90%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is an accurate, safe method for screening patients with blunt abdominal trauma even in general hospitals.