Abdominal wall haematoma mimicking visceral injury: the role of CT scanning.

Abstract

Four patients are presented who were thought to have sustained visceral injury following blunt abdominal trauma. However, CT demonstrated abdominal wall haematomata and allowed nonoperative management. Similarity between the clinical findings in visceral injury and abdominal wall haematoma can lead to diagnostic difficulty. The cases illustrate the need to consider abdominal wall haematoma as a possible diagnosis in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The place of CT in making this diagnosis is highlighted.