Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Assessment of Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Pediatric Patients

Abstract Background: Abdominal trauma in pediatrics is common. The delay in diagnosis and treatment could increase the complications rate. Using Computed tomography (CT) has been the gold standard in assessment of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Aim of Study: Was to identify the value of the MDCT in the assessment of different abdominal injuries as a result of blunt abdominal trauma in pediatricpatients. Patient and Methods: This prospective study carried out on 50 pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma, those patients underwent multi-detector CT abdomen with intrave-nous contrast for detection of intra-abdominal injuries. This study was conducted between October 2018 and October 2019. The data collected were tabulated and analyzed statis-tically. Results: MDCT study of pediatric patients was able to diagnose and grade solid and non-solid organ injuries. The spleen was the most commonly injured solid organ (56%) followed by the liver (46%) and kidney (32%). MDCT findings were able to limit the need for surgical intervention, where most of the cases were managed conservatively. Conclusions: MDCT candetect and accurately assess the grading of injuries of solid organs, non-solid hollow viscus organs. Also it perfectly diagnoses diaphragmatic injuries and bone fractures. Vascular and non-vascular complications were diagnosed accurately with triphasic contrast enhanced CT protocol. MDCT is of a great help in deciding the mostpref-erable management by detecting life-threatening conditions such as the active bleeding. Also, it primarily suggests non-operative management protocol as the intensity of care and the hospital stay duration.