Radiology, Vol 194, 97-100, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
Splenic trauma: value of follow-up CT
DE Lawson, JA Jacobson, DL Spizarny and T Pranikoff
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich.
PURPOSE: To determine the value of follow-up computed tomography (CT) after
expectant treatment in patients with clinically stable blunt splenic
trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and CT studies for 42
patients were reviewed, and injuries were graded on a scale of 1- 6.
Patients were divided into three groups: stable patients with no follow-up
CT (group 1, n = 14), stable patients with follow-up CT (group 2, n = 22),
and symptomatic patients with follow-up (group 3, n = 6). Serial hemoglobin
values and clinical findings at follow-up CT were reviewed. RESULTS: All
patients in groups 1 and 2 remained clinically stable with good outcomes.
In group 3, follow-up CT scans demonstrated worsening condition in four
patients (67%), and three of the four had poor outcomes. CONCLUSION:
Follow-up CT may be unnecessary in patients with clinically stable splenic
trauma.
