Background: Adrenal injuries following blunt abdominal trauma is uncommon. Recent increased detection of traumatic adrenal haemorrhage (TAH) prompted this study.
Methods: Cases were identified from retrospective search of the trauma and medical imaging database for the period 1998-2004. Medical records were reviewed and data analysed to identify mechanism of injury, imaging findings, associated injuries, presence of hypotension, length of stay and follow up.
Results: Eleven children were identified with TAH. Right adrenal was commonly injured. Motor vehicle injury was the commonest mechanism. All injuries were identified on initial computed tomography, and all but one had associated abdominal injuries. There were no deaths. Ultrasound showed resolution within 3 months in six patients.
Conclusion: TAH is an uncommon injury that is rarely isolated. Although initial diagnosis is made on computed tomography, ultrasound appears adequate for follow up. TAH appears to be an incidental finding that resolves on follow-up imaging.