Multidetector CT evaluation of abdominal trauma

CT is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate blunt abdominal trauma. With the advent of multidetector CT (MDCT), scanning times have progressively decreased while image resolution has increased owing to thinner collimation and reduced partial volume and motion artifacts. MDCT also allows high quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional multiplanar reformatted images to be obtained, which aid in the diagnosis of the complex multisystem injuries seen in the trauma patient. This article describes the authors' current imaging protocol with 16-detector MDCT, the spectrum of CT findings seen in patients with blunt abdominal injuries, and the role MDCT has in guiding injury management.