Ultrasonographic diagnosis of abdominal free fluid: accuracy comparison of

emergency physicians and radiologists

S. Tajoddini • S. Shams VahdatiEuropean Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (feb 2013)

Sofie van Tiel14 mei 2013

Introduction and aims

Blunt abdominal trauma is a diagnostic challenge for

emergency physicians (E.P.s).

Ultrasonography (USG) is one of the diagnostic tools used

in this type of injuries.

Evaluate the diagnostic value of USG performed by E.P.s

and radiologists (RADs)

(based on comparisons with CT scanning as the gold standard)

Methods

Prospective diagnostic study

Emergency departments of two trauma centers in Iran

Inclusion criteria: all trauma victims with blunt abdominal trauma that underwent CT

scanning as a reference standard.

USGs were performed by E.P.s and then repeated by

RADs

The USG results were compared blindly with the results of

CT scans performed by RADs.

Results 1

450 patients were

included

Results 2

Conclusions and Discussion

Specificity, PPV and NPV were similar in most cases

RAD’s showed a higher performance regarding the

sensitivity of the USG diagnosis.

E.P.’s showed enough ability in ruling in the problem

Comparison between specialists…How about residents?