Work

Motor vehicle collision with seatbelt sign and traumatic abdominal wall hernia should raise suspicion for hollow viscus injury

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Diagnosing hollow viscus injury following motor vehicle collision (MVC) requires a high index of suspicion. Here we present two cases of high velocity MVC, with 3-point restrained occupants, who presented with a seatbelt sign and associated acute traumatic flank herniation. Both patients underwent a computer tomography (CT) scan which did not identify any hollow viscus injuries. Significant injuries were ultimately identified in the operating room (OR). The presence of a seatbelt sign and underlying acute traumatic hernia should prompt a heightened level of suspicion for intra-abdominal injury, particularly hollow viscus. A heightened level of suspision and a lower threshold for operative exploration is suggested to avoid the morbidity and mortality associated with a delayed diagnosis of hollow viscus injury.

Source: Trauma Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2019.100206

Authors: Michael A. D'Elia, R. Ian Grant, Nicole O. Kolozsvari, Maher M. Matar

Institution: Ottawa Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Abdominal Trauma and Injuries

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700