Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 5: Pediatric Blunt Abdominal and Chest Trauma
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Abdominal solid organ injury

Diagnose by:

  • Index of suspicion: likelihood of blunt force trauma to abdomen, hemodynamic instability (low blood pressure, high heart rate)
  • Changes on serial abdominal examinations
  • Disrupted capsule, extravasation on abdominal CT scan
  • Abnormal ultrasound (FAST) examination
  • Blood, amylase or bilirubin on DPL

Image shows splenic laceration on abdominal contrast CT

splenic laceration
Module 5: Pediatric Blunt Abdominal and Chest Trauma