Follow-Up Imaging in Patients with Blunt Splenic or Hepatic Injury Managed Nonoperatively

Am Surg. 2018 Feb 1;84(2):208-214.

Abstract

Nonoperative management of blunt splenic and hepatic injuries has become the standard of care for hemodynamically stable patients. However, nonoperative management may lead to delayed complications and appropriate follow-up is therefore crucial. The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the role of different imaging modalities in the follow-up assessment of patients with blunt splenic or hepatic injuries using the PubMed database. Eighteen studies were found to be relevant to the topic. A total of 2725 patients were enrolled in the included studies. Both retrospective and prospective studies, but no randomized controlled trials were found. In these studies, CT, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were discussed. CT was the most commonly used imaging modality. Taking into account all studies included, only one patient underwent intervention due to a complication diagnosed by follow-up CT scan in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. This equates to a total of 920 CT scans performed to diagnose one clinically nonevident complication that required intervention. Based on the reviewed literature, routine imaging follow-up CT scans may not be indicated in asymptomatic patients with lower grade blunt splenic or hepatic injuries. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a promising alternative imaging modality for the follow-up of these patients.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare*
  • Conservative Treatment*
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / injuries*
  • Spleen / diagnostic imaging
  • Spleen / injuries*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / therapy*