Arterial Bleeding Diagnosed by CT in Hemodynamically Stable Victims of Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Although the presence of intra-abdominal blood is a common finding on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans performed for trauma, acute intra-abdominal bleeding is rarely diagnosed by CT. A focal area of high-density contrast, as compared to the surrounding fluid and tissues, is the characteristic CT finding associated with acute intra-abdominal bleeding and should prompt immediate intervention.