Role Of Computed Tomography In The Evaluation Of Blunt Abdominal Trauma: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among young adults, and poses a diagnostic challenge due to unreliable clinical examination findings. Early and accurate detection of intra-abdominal injuries is essential to guide appropriate management and reduce preventable deaths. Computed tomography (CT) has emerged as the imaging modality of choice for evaluating hemodynamically stable patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma. Objectives: To assess the utility of computed tomography in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma, to compare CT findings with operative findings or clinical outcomes, and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CT in detecting various abdominal injuries. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included patients presenting with blunt abdominal trauma who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen. CT findings were analyzed for the presence and type of abdominal organ injuries, hemoperitoneum, and associated complications. Imaging findings were correlated with surgical findings where operative intervention was performed and with clinical follow-up outcomes in conservatively managed patients. Statistical analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CT. Results: Computed tomography accurately detected solid organ injuries, hemoperitoneum, and retroperitoneal pathology in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The most commonly injured organs identified were the spleen, liver, and kidneys. CT findings showed excellent correlation with operative findings in surgically managed cases and reliably guided non-operative management in stable patients. CT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of abdominal injuries, minimizing missed injuries and reducing unnecessary exploratory laparotomies. Conclusion: Computed tomography is a highly sensitive and specific imaging modality for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma in hemodynamically stable patients. It plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis, injury grading, and decision-making between operative and non-operative management. Routine use of CT in appropriate patients significantly improves clinical outcomes and reduces unnecessary surgical interventions.