Mesenteric injury caused by minor blunt abdominal trauma

The authors present an unusual case of mesenteric injury caused by minor blunt abdominal trauma and also provide a review of the literature.     

Sonographic assessment of blunt abdominal trauma: a 4-year prospective study

PURPOSE: Emergency abdominal sonography has become a common modality worldwide in the evaluation of injuries caused by blunt trauma. The sensitivity of sonography in the detection of hemoperitoneum varies, and little is known about the accuracy of sonography in the detection of injuries to specific organs. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall accuracy of sonography in the detection of hemoperitoneum and solid-organ injury caused by blunt trauma. METHODS: From January 1995 to October 1998, 3,264 patients underwent emergency sonography at our institution to evaluate for free fluid and parenchymal abnormalities of specific organs caused by blunt trauma. All patients with intra-abdominal injuries (IAIs) were identified, and their sonographic findings were compared with their CT and operative findings, as well as their clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-six (12%) of the 3,264 patients had IAIs. Sonography detected free fluid presumed to represent hemoperitoneum in 288 patients (9%). The sonographic detection of free fluid alone had a 60% sensitivity, 98% specificity, 82% positive predictive value, and 95% negative predictive value for diagnosing IAI. The accuracy was 94%. Seventy patients (2%) had parenchymal abnormalities identified with sonography that corresponded to actual organ injuries. The sensitivity of the sonographic detection of free fluid and/or parenchymal abnormalities in diagnosing IAI was 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency sonography to evaluate patients for injury caused by blunt trauma is highly accurate and specific. The sonographic detection of free fluid is only moderately sensitive for diagnosing IAI, but the combination of free fluid and/or a parenchymal abnormality is more sensitive.     

Reevaluation of ultrasonography for solid-organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To reevaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting and classifying solid-organ injuries from blunt abdominal trauma by comparing ultrasonography with computed tomography (CT) and laparotomy. METHODS: Six hundred four patients with blunt abdominal trauma were examined by both B-mode ultrasonography and CT for a study period of 14 years. The ultrasonographic examiners were divided into 2 groups depending on their experience with ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic results were then compared with CT and surgical findings. This was a retrospective study. RESULTS: In 198 patients, solid-organ injuries were identified on CT, laparotomy, or both. Sensitivity values in group A (experts) were 87.5% for hepatic injuries, 85.4% for splenic injuries, 77.6% for renal injuries, and 44.4% for pancreatic injuries. Sensitivity values in group B were 46.2% for hepatic injuries, 50.0% for splenic injuries, and 44.1% for renal injuries. The detection rates in group A were 80% to 100% for different types of hepatic injuries except superficial injuries (20%) and 70% to 100% for different types of splenic injuries. The detection rates for renal parenchymal and pancreatic duct injuries were 53.3% and 80%, respectively. The detection rates for injuries requiring intervention were 86.1% in group A and 66.7% in group B. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of ultrasonography with the use of CT and surgical findings as reference standards decreased compared with our prior study. However, ultrasonography was found to enable experienced examiners to detect and classify parenchymal injuries efficiently, despite disadvantages in detecting superficial and vascular injuries. Ultrasonography should be used to explore not only free fluid but also solid-organ injuries.     

Correlation between coagulopathy and outcome in severe head trauma in neurointensive care and trauma units

Background

Abnormal blood coagulation after traumatic brain injury is a common finding. Some studies have proposed these changes as useful predictors of outcome in patients with head trauma. This study aimed at evaluating the association of the routine tests of blood coagulation within the first hours after severe head trauma with prognosis of patients with severe head trauma.

Materials and Methods

A total of 52 patients with severe head trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], ≤8) were admitted at Tabriz University Hospital for 1 year. Patients with major accompanying trauma were excluded. On admission, serum levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit as well as the platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and international normalized ratio (INR) were documented. The relation between these parameters with final outcome and also with GCS at admission, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week after admission and discharge time and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were studied.

Results

Thirty three patients were discharged, and 19 died. There were significant negative correlations between PT, PTT, and INR with all GCS and GOS scores. These correlations were significant and positive between the platelet count and all GCS and GOS scores. Median PT, PTT, and INR were significantly higher in nonsurvivors. Median serum platelets count was significantly lower in nonsurvivors.

Conclusion

On-admission PT, PTT, INR and platelet count may be used as predictors of outcome and prognosis of patients with severe head trauma.     

Bronchial tear consecutive to blunt chest trauma

Tracheobronchial injuries following blunt chest trauma are rare and can be lethal. CT scan can help to diagnose it when a defect to the tracheobronchial wall is visible or to suspect it in front of indirect signs.     

胸部钝性创伤的CT诊断

目的评价CT对胸部钝性创伤的诊断价值及临床意义。方法回顾分析349例胸部钝性创伤的胸部CT征象。结果CT检查有阳性诊断270例，阳性率77．36％。发现肺挫伤67例，支气管断裂3例，胸膜腔创伤143例，纵隔血肿5例，心包积血3例，膈肌破裂5例，骨折117例，皮下气肿19例。17例伴有腹部损伤。结论CT对胸部钝性创伤的检查具有诊断价值。     

ICU中创伤性凝血病的影响因素与临床意义

目的 探讨重症监护病房(ICU)中创伤性凝血病的影响因素及对严重创伤患者预后的影响.方法 回顾性收集2008年6月至2009年9月伤后24h内收住浙江大学医学院附属第二医院院急诊ICU的223例严重创伤患者的资料,记录损伤严重程度评分(ISS)、急性生理和慢性健康评分(APACHEⅡ)、收住时的凝血功能、血常规、生化常规和血气分析等指标.以需要血管活性药物维持血压、碱缺失(BD) ≥6和休克指数(SI)≥1作为存在组织低灌注的标准.根据凝血功能结果将患者分为凝血病组和无凝血病组(对照组).比较两组间创伤严重程度、APACHEⅡ值、低体温及低灌注发生率等指标,分析创伤性凝血病的影响因素,并建立多因素回归方程.比较死亡与存活患者凝血功能指标及创伤性凝血病的发生率.结果 52例(23.3％)符合创伤性凝血病的诊断,病死率明显高于对照组(36.5％ vs 9.4％,P＜ 0.01).两组间的年龄、性别构成、创伤原因和受伤时间具有可比性,凝血病组的损伤严重程度评分、低体温和组织低灌注发生率、合并严重脑损伤的比例明显高于对照组(P＜0.01),GCS评分、血红蛋白浓度(Hb)、红细胞压积(Hct)和血小板(Plt)计数均明显低于对照组(P＜0.01).多因素logistic回归分析显示BD≥6、GCS≤8和Pl计数是创伤患者入ICU时发生凝血病的独立预测因素.与存活患者相比,死亡患者的凝血功能指标明显延长.结论 伤后24h内收住ICU的创伤患者有较高的创伤性凝血病发生率;创伤性凝血病与全身损伤严重程度、合并重型颅脑损伤、休克及低体温有关,并对不良预后有重要影响.     

A child with isolated Horner's syndrome after blunt neck trauma

Horner's syndrome is the triad of miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis that results from disruption of the sympathetic pathways between the brain and the eye. Although the individual signs of Horner's syndrome do not constitute an emergency, their presence makes any Horner's syndrome a potential vascular emergency due to the proximity of the internal carotid artery to the sympathetic ganglia. We present a case of Horner's syndrome in a 5-year-old child after blunt trauma to the neck, and discuss the management and implications of a potential carotid artery injury.     

Case report: common femoral artery occlusion following blunt trauma in a child

Vascular injury from blunt trauma is infrequently seen in children unless associated with major trauma. This case report is an example of a significant vascular injury in the setting of minor trauma. The consequences of missing such an injury as well as some of the difficulties encountered in establishing the diagnosis are discussed.     

Delayed presentation of thoracic esophageal perforation after blunt trauma

Thoracic esophageal perforation after blunt trauma is a rare injury with high mortality. Prompt recognition and aggressive treatment are paramount to survival. We report a case of delayed presentation that emphasizes the diagnostic difficulties in this traumatic injury. A review of the prevalence, diagnosis, and management is also discussed.     

An unusual presentation of stridor: blunt pediatric laryngotracheal trauma

A case report is presented to review pediatric blunt laryngotracheal trauma. The common presenting symptoms of stridor and respiratory distress and their implications for the pediatric trauma patient are discussed. Use of computed tomography and direct endoscopy of the airway should help optimize airway management in these patients.     

Characteristics and outcomes of acute pediatric blunt torso trauma based on injury intent

Introduction

Blunt trauma is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity. We compared injuries, interventions and outcomes of acute pediatric blunt torso trauma based on intent.

Sonography as the primary screening method in evaluating blunt abdominal trauma

PURPOSE: The radiological evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma can be done with either ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) with strategies varying considerably among institutions. We evaluated the efficacy of our current strategy in which US is used at our hospital as the primary screening tool for patients with blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all patients admitted to our hospital with possible blunt abdominal trauma who underwent abdominal US, abdominal CT and/or a laparotomy during the initial trauma assessment from 1998 until 2002 (n = 1149). RESULTS: Nine-hundred sixty-one of the 1149 patients had a negative US, of which 922 were true negative, resulting in a negative predictive value of 96%. A CT of the abdomen was performed in 7%. In 1.7% there was delayed diagnosis with no significant additional morbidity. Fourteen of the 103 laparotomies (14%) were non-therapeutic; in 5 of these cases the patients underwent non-therapeutic laparotomy despite the performance of a CT. Seven were emergency operations. CONCLUSIONS: In our practice, the use of US for the evaluation of acute blunt abdominal trauma is adequate, with a high negative predictive value, a small number of delayed diagnoses, and an acceptable rate of non-therapeutic laparotomies.     

Isolated jejunal perforation after blunt thoracoabdominal trauma

A case report of isolated jejunal perforation secondary to a relatively unique mechanism of blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is presented. A thorough and concise review of the multimodal approach that may be necessary to diagnose such a rare clinical problem is discussed.     

Early Neurosurgical Procedures Enhance Survival in Blunt Head Injury: Propensity Score Analysis

Background: Studies of trauma systems have identified traumatic brain injury as a frequent cause of death or disability. Due to the heterogeneity of patient presentations, practice variations, and potential for secondary brain injury, the importance of early neurosurgical procedures upon survival remains controversial. Traditional observational outcome studies have been biased because injury severity and clinical prognosis are associated with use of such interventions. Objective: We used propensity analysis to investigate the clinical efficacy of early neurosurgical procedures in patients with traumatic brain injury. Methods: We analyzed a retrospectively identified cohort of 518 consecutive patients (ages 18–65 years) with blunt, traumatic brain injury (head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of ≥ 3) presenting to the emergency department of a Level-1 trauma center. The propensity for a neurosurgical procedure (i.e., craniotomy or ventriculostomy) in the first 24 h was determined (based upon demographic, clinical presentation, head computed tomography scan findings, intracranial pressure monitor use, and injury severity). Multivariate logistic regression models for survival were developed using both the propensity for a neurosurgical procedure and actual performance of the procedure. Results: The odds of in-hospital death were substantially less in those patients who received an early neurosurgical procedure (odds ratio [OR] 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05–0.41). The mortality benefit of early neurosurgical intervention persisted after exclusion of patients who died within the first 24 h (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.04–0.48). Conclusions: Analysis of observational data after adjustment using the propensity score for a neurosurgical procedure in the first 24 h supports the association of early neurosurgical intervention and patient survival in the setting of significant blunt, traumatic brain injury. Transfer of at-risk head-injured patients to facilities with high-level neurosurgical capabilities seems warranted.     

Sudden asphyxia caused by retropharyngeal hematoma after blunt thyrocervical artery injury

Background

Retropharyngeal hematomas are often associated with blunt cervical spine injury. Generally, they improve with conservative treatment; however, rarely, airway obstruction occurs due to delayed swelling of retropharyngeal hematoma.

Objectives

To report a case of sudden asphyxia due to retropharyngeal hematoma caused by blunt thyrocervical artery injury.

Case Report

A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department of Tokai University Hospital 4 h after injury in a motor vehicle collision. On arrival, she had severe dyspnea and neck swelling; thereafter, a 26-mm-thick retropharyngeal swelling was visualized on lateral cervical plain X-ray study, extending from C1 anterior vertebrae to mediastinum. Emergency intubation was performed for the asphyxia. Because extravasation of contrast agent was observed in the hematoma on emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, emergency angiography was performed, from which we diagnosed a hemorrhage from the right thyrocervical artery.

Conclusion

If a patient with a non-displaced cervical spine injury suffers airway obstruction due to retropharyngeal hematoma, vigorous hemorrhage from a thyrocervical artery injury should be considered as the cause, and emergency contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck should be performed after emergent tracheal intubation.     

Melaena as the presenting symptom of gastric mucosal injury due to blunt abdominal trauma

Blunt abdominal trauma is a common cause of admission to the typical trauma centre. Hollow viscus injury from blunt trauma, however, is unusual and rarely involves the stomach. A 15 year old boy sustained a bicycle handle bar injury to the abdomen and presented to the casualty department four days later with melaena. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed normal findings but endoscopy revealed two “kissing” areas of mucosal ulceration on the anterior and posterior wall of the gastric antrum. The patient received a blood transfusion for anaemia but was otherwise treated conservatively and made a full recovery. The authors believe this to be the first reported case of melaena as the primary presenting symptom of gastric ulceration secondary to blunt abdominal trauma. Diagnosis of hollow viscus injuries due to blunt abdominal trauma requires a high index of suspicion and thorough investigation, particularly if the presentation is delayed.